Should You Be My Own Lawyer?
August 20th, 2008
Lately I have been seeing and hearing about companies that will provide legal forms for wills, and business entities (like corporations and limited liability companies), but not legal advice. Hence the question, “Should you be your own lawyer?”
Legally any individual can represent themselves in court. In today’s impersonal fast paced world, people want to buy the thing to solve their problem. In this case a piece of paper that acknowledges that your business has paid the appropriate filing fee and the appropriate piece of paper with the State allowing you to transact business as a corporation of LLC. That is a small part of what I do for my client’s.
Yes I prepare that paperwork plus more paperwork that is needed for the type of entity that is recommended. This is where the Lawyering starts and the form filling stops. I get to know what my client’s business is about, what risks they face and what their tax position may be. Based on that information I make a recommendation on the type of entity they should form and why.
The same holds true with your will. You know who you want to get your things and the kids, but you may not know that there are alternative ways to transfer those assets that will protect your assets from liabilities your family may be subject to, including estate taxes. Additionally, when you deal with an attorney he/she can help you evaluate the best way to handle potentially problematic heirs.
In full disclosure, I have not actually seen any of the forms advertised so I am not commending on the quality of the forms or correctness of the form filling. Ultimately, it is a question of Value. Do you value professional advice, or do you just want a piece of paper?
Joseph Michael Dickerson
www.dickersonlaw.com
www.theroadmaptorich.com
Entry Filed under: Business, Estate Planning/Wills & Trusts
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