Bongiovi Law Blog

30

An insurance agent in one of my networking groups recently explained why one insurance company in particular can consistently offer much lower rates than his competition.  By allowing customers to choose their own coverage, no agent of the company is involved and the customer assumes all responsibility for choosing his liability coverage.  Are you confident that you'd choose the right coverage for your property given your geographic area, the likelihood you'll have a claim, and the replacement value of your belongings?  Or would you sleep better at night knowing you spoke with an agent who has knowledge of all those facts and figures and who would back you up if you had a claim?  

There is a parallel in the legal profession.  Legal forms businesses and online legal document banks "provide self-help legal services at your specific direction."  You can certainly go buy a Do-It-Yourself will packet, but are you confident you'd know exactly how to fill it out and execute it properly?  Did you know that an improperly executed will is almost worthless?  You could similarly go online and form your business and download an operating agreement, but do you know why you'd choose to be a corporation rather than an LLC?  Do you know what your operating agreement should say?

By all means, do things yourself to save some money...AFTER having done your homework to figure out what "your specific direction" should be.  And if you don't happen to have four or five years to spend in law school and business school, call a lawyer. 

 

Comments

Daniel Alexander
Thursday, May 13, 2010 12:08 PM
Great post Gina!
Roger Bishop
# Roger Bishop
Thursday, May 13, 2010 2:18 PM
Hi Gina

Great example of making sure things are done right. You get what you pay for.

Roger
Philip Cohen
Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:03 PM
I like this article from the insurance agent. I buy insurance to protect me from risk, but if I pick the wrong policies, I've bought nothing with my money. Same for do it yourself legal work. I might feel really good about my contract or lease, until I realize it isn't what I wanted or thought I was getting. And like with insurance, I probably won't find out that what I have is inadequate until I REALLY need it.
Shari Eckert
Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:09 PM
Hi Gina,
Where can I get a Will done for cheap? I used the ones at office depot and then got it notirized but, some people are telling me, it won't hold up in court. I see billboards saying, I will do your will for $99. What do you think?
Gina Bongiovi
# Gina Bongiovi
Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:22 PM
Shari, You can certainly try those $99 will places, but be wary of the bait-and-switch. "Well, we usually do wills for $99 but yours happens to be so complicated, we'll need to charge more." Are you living in Vegas or California? I can send you a referral depending on where you are.

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