Law Technology Evolution: Can It Really Help You With The Best Legal Advice?

Legal advice websites have been around since the early ages of the internet. But the DIY legal options available today are relatively new by comparison. Before these sites became popular, handling legal situations required very specific steps. You may do some research online, but the end almost always resulted in working with a professional.

Now, that line is blurred. If you are looking to create some legal documents, you may not have to work directly with an attorney. The question is which path is right for you?

While this article does not substitute for professional legal advice, it can provide you with some insight regarding what these sites can and cannot offer.

One of the more common documents you can create through online services like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are wills. Many find the issues that necessitate a will difficult to discuss, making a home-based online option appealing. And, in cases where your will is simple, these services can provide a suitable low-cost alternative.

Interessant Insights from John Suh of @LegalZoom at #websummit pic.twitter.com/h2Vr9Zzhoy

— Martijn Arets (@martijnarets) November 8, 2016

However, if your situation is complex, it is likely better to work with a professional. This includes situations where a trust is involved, stakes in family businesses, or when issues of child custody could become contentious.

If you don’t have children, maintain few assets, and don’t anticipate any disagreements regarding your choices, then a DIY will can be the right choice. For everything else, working with a professional is probably your best bet.

Another area where these sites draw some attention is in the creation of legal documents, such as rental leases for those looking to operate as landlords. For people who own multiple properties, the ability to turn an asset into a source of additional income is attractive. A lease helps you define the relationship between yourself and the tenant and creates reasonable limits regarding expected activity.

Most of the online options are customized based on the rules and regulations that exist in the state in which the property is located, so it is possible to cover most of your bases. The guided tour approach also ensures that you hit every key area. However, these systems can fall short since they may not include information regarding all of the idiosyncrasies about your property.

Additionally, you may miss out on some of the educational opportunities associated with working with a professional. Suitable attorneys remain apprised of changes in your location and can offer insights based on personal experience that is lacking in online options. While experienced landlords can likely manage the DIY version, those who are creating documents for their first rental property may be better served by a professional.

The idea of being able to create a structure for your business online is appealing to many. Most of the sites offer general guidance to help you determine which form your business should take based on simple questionnaires. In some cases, this information may be enough to help you determine a direction, but the implications of the decision are long-lasting and changing to a different designation can carry additional risks.

If you have already done your research regarding your options, or have formed a business before, you may be well served by these quick online opportunities. However, first-timers may want to speak with a professional to make sure they fully understand the nature of the decision.

The most telling sign on many of the websites that working with professionals would be best if you have any questions or doubts is the fact that they offer consultation services built into the site. Granted, these services may also be less expensive than working with a local attorney, but you also don’t get the personalized service and familiarity that working with a particular attorney can provide.

Additionally, working directly with a lawyer will always be best for some circumstances. If you are looking for anything from a Long Island Personal Injury specialist or a Los Angeles accident lawyer, you are not going to find what you need in an online-only solution. Document creation is one thing, but when it comes to your health, safety, freedom, or livelihood, nothing available today will substitute for a credible, reputable, skilled, professional attorney.

[Featured Image by Pixabay]