The Hidden Dangers of DIY Legal Documents

The internet is full of templates for wills, contracts, and business forms. They promise convenience and low cost. But too often, they end up costing more in the long run.

I once reviewed a DIY will for a family. It looked fine, but it left out a crucial clause about residuary assets. When the father passed, part of the estate had no clear instructions. That “savings” ended up costing thousands in legal fees.

Another example: a small business owner used an online partnership agreement that didn’t address how to resolve disputes. When conflict arose, litigation became the only option. A well-drafted agreement could have saved them.

DIY documents can be useful for learning. But the law isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each family and business is unique. What works for one state or situation may fail in another.

Legal advice isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s about tailoring solutions to people’s lives. Templates can’t do that. Professionals can.