Commentary by Scott H. Sheffron, managing partner.
At the end of the ad for LegalZoom there is a warning: “Legalzoom is not a law firm or a substitute for the advice of an attorney and provides self-help services at your specific direction. Attorney help is through a legal plan available in most states.” (for an additional expense).
Let’s break this warning down:
- “Legalzoom is not a law firm”. This means they are providing legal advice, but do not want to back up that advice with a promise as to the credibility or accuracy of that information.
- “or a substitute for the advice of an attorney”. This means they acknowledge that the competent advice of an attorney is important and their services cannot substitute for this competent advice.
- “provides self-help services” This means that you are on your own. They will provide forms which may or may not fit your needs. The forms may or may not work in the state where you live. Since you did not go to law school or have any legal experience how are you going to know the difference?
- “at your specific direction.” This means that you are responsible to know the specific law or laws related to you unique situation. If you guess wrong on the law then you cannot sue Legalzoom.
- “Attorney help is through a legal plan available in most states.” This means they realize that using an experienced attorney is important. So, on one hand LegalZoom encourages you to prepare your own documents and on the other hand they acknowledge that you should get an attorney.
Would you do your own surgery from a guide found on line? Would you construct your family's house without the assistance of a contractor or engineer? Why would you believe that a web site could provide sound legal advice? Does it cost money to hire competent professionals to help you? Of course. Just like you offer your experience in producing a product or service to others; so does the doctor, engineer, dentist, or lawyer go to work to offer their experienced services to you. Remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for."
Even the simplest of legal matters could turn into a nightmare. Take for example a simple will created on line: Regardless of what your neighbor, or the customer representative on line, tells you, ALL WILLS GO THROUGH PROBATE.
You may save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a "one size fits all" Will on line, but how many thousands of dollars will it cost your family to deal with the probate court, internal revenue service, state department of revenue, medicaid, creditors, insurance companies, financial institutions, and the list goes on and on. Everything you worked a lifetime to aquire could be lost do to a simple error or omission. Once the mistake is discovered, it is almost always too late to correct. Only attorneys are trained to understand the law and apply it to protect their client's best interest. Bottom line, penny wise most certainly will end dollar foolish.
