Many business owners only think about hiring a lawyer when something has already gone wrong: a lawsuit arrives, a major customer refuses to pay, or a dispute with a business partner threatens the company. But waiting until a legal problem becomes a crisis can be costly.

A business lawyer can help identify risks early, protect your interests and give you practical options before a dispute escalates. Here are seven signs that it may be time to seek professional business legal advice.

1. A customer refuses to pay

Unpaid invoices can quickly become a cash-flow problem, particularly for smaller businesses. If a customer continues to ignore payment requests, it may be time to speak to a debt collection lawyer about the available options for recovering the money.

2. You’re about to sign a major contract