When you need answers, what’s the first thing you do? If you’re like most people, you pull out your phone, tablet, or laptop and do a quick Google search. About 3.5 billion Google searches happen every day. Many of these queries are looking for online legal help.
While it makes sense to start your search for legal help online, it shouldn’t end here. Consider these six reasons why you should hire an attorney and not solely depend on free legal services online.
1. The Laws Are State Specific
There are two sets of laws, federal and state. Federal laws are applied on a national level to all states. State laws are applied to each individual state. You need to seek out legal advice from a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in the state where your legal need arises.
When you seek out free online legal help, you could end up with input from attorneys across the country. While these people may be well-meaning, they can easily lead you astray. You are getting legal advice based on their knowledge of the law in their state, which could be completely different from your state’s laws.
2. Lack of Expertise
Advice becomes more muddled when attorneys of different specialties start contributing. You wouldn’t go to a real estate attorney to represent you in criminal court. So why would you listen to their advice online?
Investing in the advice of a knowledgeable now can save you a fortune later. Any lawyer can give you generalized advice. However, for the best advice, seek out the advice of a lawyer who’s dedicated their career to that specific type of law. They are going to know legal intricacies that could apply to your unique situation.
3. The Law Changes
When was the last time the website you’re looking at was updated? It could be a how-to, self-help, or contributor forum. The information could be a day, a week, a month, or a year old. In some cases, it could be several years old.
The law is constantly changing and evolving. If the free online website you’re looking at isn’t updated, you’re using outdated legal advice.
4. Improper Filing
The law can get extremely tricky and confusing when it comes to deadlines and filing procedures. You have a specific number of days to do a variety of tasks. If you fail to follow proper procedure, you could bar yourself from recovery or lose your entire case.
Some free online legal help services will file your documents for you. However, they may not do it properly or in a timely manner. You are also at risk if you choose to print out your prepared documents and file them yourself.
5. Non Specific or Unenforceable Forms
Every case is unique. While there’s some overlap or commonalities, there are never two cases that are exactly alike from start to finish. Because of this, free online resources can never fully resolve a legal matter.
Generic online forms are a good start to educate yourself but should never be your only solution. They fail to account for your unique circumstances. You could miss out on possible recovery actions or better legal solutions. When you work with an attorney in person, they will advise you of other possible legal options.
6. Hidden Fees
While the free legal advice seems free, this isn’t always the case. Some require a subscription service to use their forms or other services. Once signed up, it can be difficult to cancel.
Others will provide referrals to local attorneys. These lawyers may or may not be affordable. You’ll also need to do your own research as to their experience and knowledge.
Many of these sites do not screen the attorneys they recommend. Any lawyer can pay a fee for the referrals.
Skip the Online Legal Help and Work With a Local Attorney
Seeking out online legal help has a useful place for learning and doing research. However, it isn’t a replacement for hiring an experienced local attorney. You need someone who can take the time to learn about every detail of your situation. They can then create a customized legal plan and advise on the best solution for you.
Our team of skilled Florida attorneys is ready to assist you with your legal needs. Request a consultation today.
