Why Do-It-Yourself Legal Options Aren’t Always Best
Whenever you’re dealing with a serious matter, you typically go to an expert. If you’re feeling ill or have an injury, you consult a doctor. If you’re planning on moving, you work with a reputable real estate agent. If you’re looking to invest your money, you go to a financial advisor. Working with experts in the field who can look out for your best interests provides peace of mind so you know you’re making fully informed decisions. However, some may not take this approach with the legal process.
We have easy access to so much information online. Many people may seek online aid for do-it-yourself legal forms. They think that they don’t have to take the time or money to consult with an attorney. However, legal matters are often much more complex than filling out a simple online form. While people may think they’re taking the best path forward, they may in fact be putting their legal document at risk.
You deserve to know that your legal document is valid and contains all the correct information. The best way to do this is to work with an attorney. Before we discuss more about why working with a lawyer will help you, let’s look into the dangers of DIY legal options.
What Areas of Law Have DIY Options?
You may be wondering what areas of law people choose to take care of themselves. Often, it may be in one of the following categories:
- Business
- Estate Planning
When new businesses are starting, the owner may want to save as much money as possible. So, they’ll turn to the internet to find out how they can make their operating agreements without spending the money to have a professional review it. Many LLCs have operating agreements, which is a business contract. It details the company’s terms and conditions. This is what the company members will set down rules for day-to-day situations and unique circumstances.
Because each business is different, the operating agreement should be tailored to the business. When people try to follow online models, it’s often generic. This could possibly lead to problems moving forward. The operating agreement may not be airtight or it could be missing significant components that will lead to more problems down the line.
When you’re planning your estate, it can be an emotional time. However, it’s important to have a plan for your assets and how they should be distributed. Your state may have certain laws and regulations about how estate planning works and if you don’t have the correct details, you could render your document invalid. For example, West Virginia Law states in Chapter 41 that a will must be in writing and signed, along with two witnesses. A generic form for you to do yourself may not take your state’s specific laws into account.
Matters as serious as your business and estate planning should have contracts that are valid and fully detailed. This isn’t a likely outcome when you try to do these documents yourself.
Why Should You Consult an Expert?
The best way to ensure your legal documents are valid is having an attorney at your side. They’ll be well-versed in your state’s law and will be able to inform you of everything you need to have. If there are issues with wording or items that are unclear, they can point these out and help you get the language in its clearest form.
Your lawyer will also make sure all formalities are met so there aren’t issues in the future. If your will had ambiguities or had a problem where it wasn’t considered valid, your family could run into many issues with how your estate will be divided. The last thing a grieving family needs is a bunch of technical errors that makes their responsibilities more difficult. Having a clear cut will allows them to follow your instructions and then settle the matter so they can grieve in peace.
Above all, you should be able to have full confidence in your legal documents. Whether it’s constructing vital by-laws for your business or dictating what will happen with your estate, you don’t want to have worry in the back of your mind that something may be off. You can rest assured that everything will be in order when an attorney helps you.
If you’re dealing with any area of the law, you should have a skilled lawyer helping you. Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law is here for you and your legal needs. Give our office a call today.
