Lawyers are often asked to answer “just one quick legal question.” Most of us went to law school because we like to help, and we want to help try to answer those questions!
But the quick question may not always have a quick answer. In the law, there is not always an easy yes or no answer. The world operates in shades of gray, not black and white. The questions lawyers face are often unique ones, and the answer can hinge on several variables. Can I get out of this contract that I signed? Will I go to jail if I…..? What happens if I don’t pay my taxes? What happens if I build a moat around my house?
And my quick answer to all of them is “it depends”. “It depends,” unfortunately, does not actually answer the question that you have asked. It doesn’t tell you how to get out of your contract or stay out of jail or avoid tax penalties, or build your moat. You asked the question because you want and need guidance. You need to know what to do next. And if I give you a quick answer, you will probably only have more questions.
For example, you can ask when the filing deadline is to file your federal tax return. Easy. Everyone who has seen a tax preparation software commercial knows that it is April 15, right? Quick question, easy answer. BUT there are exceptions for some taxpayers. In Massachusetts, Patriots’ Day holiday gives you a later due date. In Maine, the state Emancipation Day holiday will give you until April 17. If you lived in a federally declared disaster area, you may have a later filing date as well. So maybe the answer is not as straightforward as we thought.
In fact, for most legal questions, the answer is usually much more involved. Take, for example, the question of whether I can build a moat around my house. The answer is not a straight “yes” or “no.” In fact, it’s likely to create a million follow-up questions from me. Where do you live? Why do you need a moat? What are the zoning regulations? Will you need a building permit? Is the contractor building your moat appropriately licensed? Are you in an HOA community that has rules against moat-building? Are you a medieval king?
Often, in the process of exploring follow-up questions, we start to find our answers. Maybe you want a moat to protect you and your property from theft and Visigoth invaders. Perhaps a home security system would be a better way to achieve that goal. Maybe you are a medieval king, in which case, build away!
Quick questions need good answers – not just quick ones. At Way Law, we have a unique approach to these questions that will get you the answer you actually need!