Are Online Legal Services Really Cheaper?
June 18, 2008
At first, online legal services such as legalzoom.com, and legalhelpmate.com, seem like great tools for the cost-conscious, do-it-yourself small business owner. There are a myriad of online services that allow business owners, entrepreneurs, and other individuals to create legal documents and corporate formation documents for businesses. Services include trademark applications, patent applications, wills, and business incorporations. But, in the long run, are these online services really cheaper?
The great thing about these online legal service providers is that you don’t have to graduate from law school or pass the bar exam to use these services. These services can be effective for basic legal document creation, but are neither sources of legal advice nor do they offer recommendations or advise people on their legal rights. Additionally, these sites take no legal responsibility for any document created: PERIOD!
If you are prepared to take the time to independently research the services that online legal service providers offer, and are aware that the only person held accountable for mistakes is yourself, then these online services might suffice for your needs. However, if you wish to receive individualized legal advice, personal business counseling and insight from a legal professional, then you may wish to consult an attorney for assistance with your legal and business needs.
When you consult with an attorney, you are getting an entire package of experience, advice, and personal customer service. An attorney can customize business documents to suit you and your business. An attorney can save you the hassle of attempting to remedy a problem by yourself and usually is available for consultation at any time. Yes, initially the services of an attorney cost more than self-help sites, but an attorney may save you long term costs and headaches.
Simply put, you should consider all of your options before using online legal document services since the creation of certain legal documents are of the utmost importance to you and your business.
Post written by: Gina Franco
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