Risks Of DIY Legal Services
Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri
Online DIY (Do-It-Yourself) legal services are becoming more & more common in today’s world. Companies like Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, Nolo & others offer free or low-cost access to a variety of legal documents. These include contracts, wills, powers of attorney, rental agreements, & registered agent forms, to name a few. Often, their services appeal because of the reduced price tag compared with hiring an attorney. However, the old phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here & the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Even though these businesses make the legal process seem easy, it usually isn’t. Often, there are very specific steps, documents & requirements that vary from state to state. If you read the language closely on documents provided by companies like these, they clearly state that they have no legal responsibility if problems arise from the use of their services. This would be solely on your shoulders to bear any financial or legal ramifications. LegalZoom’s disclaimer states: “I understand and agree that LegalZoom is not a law firm or an attorney, may not perform services performed by an attorney, and its forms and templates are not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney…” LegalZoom certainly used attorneys to write their fine print – they weren’t willing to take the risk all of their customers take by not using a lawyer.
Further, the documents available on these websites are generic & meant for no one in particular. Legal services only work as intended when they are tailored for you. This inaccurate approach will be unlikely to meet your needs & could open you up to risk legally & financially.
No one will argue that the prices these companies offer are rock-bottom & you may think the documents you get are standardized and create very little risk for you. However, the product they provide pales in comparison to individualized, personal legal advice that you can get from a local attorney. A local attorney can ensure that all documents are properly worded & executed to comply with state & local laws & use language to ensure your intended purposes are accomplished. Most importantly, DIY legal services bear no legal responsibility for their products. Attorneys put their licenses and professional reputations at risk every time they provide legal advice or services. This ensures that they have a personal interest in your outcome.
Just like you would not use the cheapest contractor to build your own house or the cheapest mechanic to work on your car, you should not attempt to act as your own attorney. Although the rock-bottom prices can be tempting, the risks cannot be ignored. By using an attorney, you can rest assured that you are getting accurate information from an experienced lawyer in your area. The financial cost may be greater when you use an attorney, but the product you receive will be far superior. In short- don’t take the risk!
