DIY legals on the rise – but what are the risks
Over recent years there has been rapid growth in the DIY legal market. As technology has increased, so too has the number of off-the-shelf kits and online services offering templates to create legally binding documents. Additionally non-legal businesses are moving into the legal market offering low-cost deals. The perceived benefit of all of these is financial as they are generally provided at a cheaper cost than using a qualified solicitor.
But (and it is a big but), by not taking proper legal advice you could be exposing yourself to a real risk.
In a divorce situation, what happens if you end up with an agreement that is not legally binding and thus unenforceable?
Or, in the case of an LPA, the DIY version hasn’t adequately considered the person’s express wishes and leaves them with a document that is not fit for purpose?
Perhaps you use a low-cost conveyancing option for a house purchase and a mistake is made, or something is missed by an unqualified, or inexperienced practitioner. Buying a property is the single biggest expenditure you are likely to make. Mistakes can have catastrophic and costly consequences.
Risks of DIY law
Whilst DIY legal packs may seem an attractive and cheaper alternative to proper legal advice, there are several potential risks to consider:
Risk of mistakes and future issues – these are important and often complicated legal documents and mistakes can be easily made. If you make an error on a crucial document this can lead to significant issues down the line and even render the document invalid.
Additional time and cost – You may need to spend a significant amount of time trying to understand the legal implications and complete the legal documents. If you do not complete or file the forms correctly, you run the risk of them being rejected and so incur additional cost on resubmission.
Increased litigation – as DIY and low-cost legals is on the increase, so too is litigation. Inheritance disputes / contested wills, for example, have risen by over 60% in the last couple of years.
Lack of personal contact and increased stress – without the assistance of a qualified and experienced lawyer by your side, the burden of completing of complicated paperwork and navigating any court procedure can be daunting and stressful.
Don’t take the risk.
Always use a professional solicitor with specific experience in the legal area you need.