{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this tool really free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no credit card, no hidden fees. You get an instant recommendation immediately." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I can't afford a lawyer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many options exist: legal aid organizations, pro bono services, law school clinics, and limited-scope representation where you pay only for specific tasks. The self-help button above provides resources." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a lawyer actually cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Costs vary widely by location and case type. Our estimates are based on average state hourly rates: simple cases might cost $2,000-$8,000, while complex litigation can exceed $50,000. Always ask about fee structures during consultations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I represent myself (pro se)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, you have the right to self-representation in most courts. However, this tool helps you assess whether that's wise based on case complexity, stakes, and opposing counsel. Small claims court is often more DIY-friendly than federal litigation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How accurate are the cost estimates?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Based on state averages from recent legal industry surveys (2024-2026 data). Actual rates may vary based on attorney experience, firm size, and your specific location within a state." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my situation is not listed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Choose the closest option. The tool covers the most common legal issues, but for unique situations, consulting a lawyer is always the safest approach." } } ] } v !== null).length; progressFill.style.width = (answered / totalQuestions * 100) + '%'; } function showQuestion(index) { questions.forEach((q, i) => q.classList.toggle('active', i === index)); prevBtn.disabled = index === 0; nextBtn.textContent = (index === totalQuestions - 1) ? 'See Results →' : 'Next →'; } // Option click handler document.querySelectorAll('.option-btn').forEach(btn => { btn.addEventListener('click', function(e) { const questionDiv = this.closest('.question'); if (!questionDiv) return; const qId = questionDiv.id; const questionNum = parseInt(qId.substring(1)); const value = this.dataset.value; answers[questionNum] = value; questionDiv.querySelectorAll('.option-btn').forEach(opt => opt.classList.remove('selected')); this.classList.add('selected'); updateProgress(); if (questionNum < totalQuestions && questionNum === currentQuestion + 1) { setTimeout(() => { nextQuestion(); }, 280); } }); }); stateSelect.addEventListener('change', function() { answers[7] = this.value || null; updateProgress(); }); window.nextQuestion = function() { if (currentQuestion === totalQuestions - 1) { if (!answers[7]) { alert('Please select your state to get accurate cost estimates.'); return; } calculateResult(); return; } if (!answers[currentQuestion + 1]) { alert('Please select an answer before continuing.'); return; } currentQuestion++; showQuestion(currentQuestion); }; window.prevQuestion = function() { if (currentQuestion > 0) { currentQuestion--; showQuestion(currentQuestion); } }; prevBtn.addEventListener('click', prevQuestion); nextBtn.addEventListener('click', nextQuestion); function calculateResult() { const caseType = answers[1]; const amount = answers[2]; const opposing = answers[3]; const deadline = answers[4]; const complexity = answers[5]; const comfort = answers[6]; const state = answers[7]; const stateRateValue = hourlyRates[state] || 350; let score = 0; if (['criminal','immigration','family'].includes(caseType)) score += 3; else if (['injury','debt'].includes(caseType)) score += 2; else score += 1; if (amount === 'xlarge') score += 3; else if (amount === 'large') score += 2; else if (amount === 'medium') score += 1; else if (amount === 'nonmonetary') score += 3; if (opposing === 'yes') score += 3; if (deadline === 'urgent') score += 3; if (complexity === 'complex') score += 3; else if (complexity === 'moderate') score += 1; if (comfort === 'novice') score += 2; let badgeClass, title, detail, costRange; if (score >= 12) { badgeClass = 'badge-red'; title = '🚨 You should definitely hire a lawyer'; detail = 'Your situation involves high stakes, complexity, or legal risks that make professional representation strongly recommended. Proceeding without a lawyer could lead to serious consequences.'; costRange = `$${Math.round(stateRateValue * 15)} - $${Math.round(stateRateValue * 40)}`; } else if (score >= 7) { badgeClass = 'badge-yellow'; title = '⚖️ You may want to consult a lawyer'; detail = 'While you might be able to handle some aspects yourself, a consultation with a lawyer could help you understand your rights and avoid pitfalls.'; costRange = `$${Math.round(stateRateValue * 5)} - $${Math.round(stateRateValue * 15)}`; } else { badgeClass = 'badge-green'; title = '✅ You might be able to handle this yourself'; detail = 'Your situation appears straightforward. You may be able to use self-help resources, legal aid, or limited-scope representation. However, always consult a lawyer if you\'re unsure.'; costRange = `$${Math.round(stateRateValue * 2)} - $${Math.round(stateRateValue * 8)}`; } document.getElementById('resultBadge').className = `result-badge ${badgeClass}`; document.getElementById('resultTitle').textContent = title; document.getElementById('resultText').textContent = detail; document.getElementById('estimatedCost').textContent = costRange; document.getElementById('stateRate').textContent = `$${stateRateValue}/hr`; // Hide questions, show results questionContainer.style.display = 'none'; resultContainer.style.display = 'block'; // ===== Dynamic page title for state ===== const stateSelectEl = document.getElementById('stateSelect'); const selectedOption = stateSelectEl.options[stateSelectEl.selectedIndex]; if (selectedOption && selectedOption.value) { const stateName = selectedOption.text.split(' ')[0]; // e.g., "California" document.title = `Should I Hire a Lawyer in ${stateName}? Free Legal Tool 2026`; const metaDesc = document.querySelector('meta[name="description"]'); if (metaDesc) { metaDesc.setAttribute('content', `Answer 7 questions to find out if you need a lawyer in ${stateName}. Get personalized risk assessment and cost estimates based on ${stateName} attorney rates.`); } } } // Restart function window.restartTool = function() { for (let i=1; i<=7; i++) answers[i] = null; document.querySelectorAll('.option-btn').forEach(btn => btn.classList.remove('selected')); stateSelect.value = ''; currentQuestion = 0; showQuestion(0); updateProgress(); questionContainer.style.display = 'block'; resultContainer.style.display = 'none'; // restore original title document.title = "Should I Hire a Lawyer? Free Legal Decision Tool 2026 | Case Evaluator"; const metaDesc = document.querySelector('meta[name="description"]'); if (metaDesc) { metaDesc.setAttribute('content', "Answer 7 simple questions to find out if you need a lawyer for your situation. Get personalized risk assessment, cost estimates based on your state, and next steps."); } }; document.getElementById('restartBtn').addEventListener('click', restartTool); // Enhanced lawyer button document.getElementById('findLawyerBtn').addEventListener('click', function() { const state = answers[7]; const caseType = answers[1]; let url = '/legal-aid-calculator.html'; if (state) { url = `/legal-aid-directory`; if (caseType) { // just for analytics awareness, can be extended console.log(`User looking for ${caseType} lawyer in ${state}`); } } window.location.href = url; }); // Enhanced self-help button document.getElementById('selfHelpBtn').addEventListener('click', function() { const caseType = answers[1]; const selfHelpUrls = { }; let url = '/legal-aid-calculator.html'; if (caseType && selfHelpUrls[caseType]) { url = selfHelpUrls[caseType]; } window.location.href = url; }); // init showQuestion(0); updateProgress(); })();