There's apt to come a time when your family needs a lawyer.

So what can your family do when you need legal help? First, remember that state laws vary so you'll want to be sure any legal advice you seek takes your state laws into consideration. Meanwhile, if a person or company you're dealing with is in another state, you might wish to seek someone who also is licensed in that state.

With that caveat, it's a good idea to get some general legal information first.

One of our favorite sources is Nolo.com, the publishers of easy-to-understand legal books for consumers. There is a lot of free legal information on its Web site.

We also like the idea of contacting the department in the state or federal government that most closely regulates the area in which you're having a problem. For example, if the problem is with your bank, contact your state banking department. Have a question about Social Security disability? Visit the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov. In doubt which department to contact? Try your state attorney general, which you can find at www.naag.org. Click on "The Attorneys General."

By starting with state regulators, you can determine whether you can recover your financial loss without hiring an attorney. Also, many of those Web sites have consumer sections with online easy-to-read brochures that explain your legal rights.

For debt-related issues, we like the National Consumer Law Center in Boston at www.consumerlaw.org. Click on "For Consumers" for helpful online brochures.

Lawyers.com is part of the Martindale-Hubbard Law Directory Web site (www.lawyers.com). There, you can post questions on message board to get answers. Get bankruptcy information at www.usdoj.gov/ust. Another Web site, www.LegalConsumer.comalso provides federal legal forms, state rules and a calculator to determine if you are eligible for bankruptcy.

The American Bar Association's Web site at www.abanet.org is an excellent source for information on trust, wills, probate and estate planning.

ElderlawAnswers.com has great information about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, disability planning and Social Security.

Your consumer rights involving such things as jewelry sales, credit, store rebates, online shopping and identity theft can be found at www.ftc.gov.

Once you've educated yourself about your legal issue, seek a lawyer that specializes in your area of concern. Talk to people who have used lawyers and get referrals. Consider checking with your accountant.

Always examine the lawyer's disciplinary history. Your state bar association can advise you how to do this. Also, search the attorney at www.martindale.com, a free Web site that provides biographical information on attorneys, including education and number of years in practice.

Need free or low-cost legal help?

• Most state bar associations have what are known as "pro bono" programs, in which lawyers agree to volunteer their time for those in need. See if you can find a well-qualified attorney in your area to handle your case.

• If your issue relates to consumer law, visit www.naca.net, where you can search for an attorney by specialty in your area. Some will give you at least a free telephone consultation.

• Visit www.lsc.gov, which tracks programs that offer free or low-cost legal help available nationwide to the low-income.

• Consider area law schools, which may provide assistance at a reduced cost.

• AARP offers its members certain legal services at a discount as well as a free consultation as part of its "Legal Services Network."

• See if an attorney will take your case "on contingency." This means the lawyer takes a cut of any financial award you receive. Otherwise, you pay nothing.

You'll want to nail down what experience your attorney has handling matters like yours. Questions to ask:

• What are your rates and billing procedures? Will I be charged hourly and for what expenses? Seek a ballpark figure for the total bill.

• What are my options in resolving this matter?

• Approximately how long will it take to get resolved?

• Will you personally be handling the case? Some lawyers farm everything out to trainees or paralegals. Obviously, your goal is to have your lawyer's complete attention.