But then again, I am probably biased since some of the DIY (Do It Yourself) services are offered in the field in which I am trying to generate clients.? This blog post is inspired by a question posted on a listersev?which I subscribe?and generated a lot?of good discussion and thoughts.? Specifically, the scenario that was posted called for some advice on how to handle clients that contacted an attorney and wondered why they should use an attorney for estate planning, specifically?Last Will creation, when the ?same thing? could be done on LegalZoom?for considerably less.? This poster wanted some other answers to bolster his argument than just ?Because I am a lawyer, that?s why?.
To begin, I have nothing against LegalZoom, RocketLawyer?or any other DIY legal website out there.? As one commenter?put it, I am not competing with LegalZoom, LegalZoom is competing with other DIY websites.? There is no use trying to fight the shift in our society for quick, easy, and usually inexpensive consumer-friendly ways to get services over the internet.? It is the way of the world, and I am too young to start pushing back against technology?let the older generations do that.
But just because it is online and inexpensive, doesn?t always mean the best option and it is important for consumers to be cognizant of the facts of DIY legal services and make intelligent, informed decisions.? In this particular?case, the would-be-client wanted a Will, POA?and Medical Directive done but did not want to pay the money that a lawyer was charging.? He went on LegalZoom?and found that what he wanted to have done could cost him $79, far less than what the attorney quoted for the same work.? Sounded like a good deal, but it?s always?important to read the fine print.? Remember, when you talk to an attorney and hire them to perform legal work for you, you enter into a confidential lawyer-client relationship.? Answering interview questions and producing documents on LegalZoom, this is what you get:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but
general information on legal issues commonly encountered. *LegalZoom?is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm.*Communications between you and LegalZoom?are protected by ourPrivacy?Policy, but are *not protected by the attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine.* *LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice* and can only provide self-help services at your specific direction.
There is no attorney-client privilege with LegalZoom.? They do not have to keep your information confidential.? This is usually taken for granted when dealing with attorneys, but it is important to note that LegalZoom is not an attorney.? While they do offer an ?upgrade? in your service with the option to have an attorney review your documents, checking the credentials of this attorney is iffy at best.
In addition, there are several questions that a trained attorney will ask a person or couple that will lead them to the best devices possible for the distribution of their assets upon their deaths.? This is not an easy thing to discuss and there is a reason that attorneys are referred to as Counselor.? Issues of guardianship (see other post), trusts, personal property and other very personal issues need to be discussed and well thought out.? The money you spend up front may save you or your loved ones from years of litigation and soaring legal costs.
In this economy, the cost of everything is put at the top of priority lists.? Trust me, I know this.? And in the end, you need to do what is best for you and your family.? Having a will in place is imperative and if you don?t think you can afford an attorney and DIY is the only way, then maybe that is where you will turn.? But many attorneys, myself included, may be willing to work with you on price to ensure that you and your family have the proper documents and protection in place for a very solemn and salient times in one?s life.
Just some food for thought!
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Source: http://churchilllaw.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/diy-in-a-down-economy-not-always-the-best-choice/
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