5 reasons not to use free online legal templates

5 REASONS NOT TO USE FREE ONLINE LEGAL TEMPLATES

In a world where free templates are easily accessible from the internet, it is common for individuals to search cost-effective and convenient legal templates at the click of a button. Although it may appear quicker and more cost effective to download online templates, these templates do not always provide the quality and reliability that a specialist solicitor can offer.

Here are 5 reasons to consider why you shouldn’t use free online legal documents.

1. Outdated Documents

Template documents and forms are often updated in accordance with legal updates, where a standard online document is based on outdated law. The relevant legislation may have changed in ways that make the document or the entire transaction void, which could ultimately result in being harmful to your best interests or cause you or your business an economic loss.

2. Too General

Free online templates do not offer specific tailored drafting to suit your specific situation and needs. Many legal documents are very broad and omit important clauses which could make or break the impact of the document. If your legal matter is quite complex and requires bespoke drafting, using a free template may create more problems than solutions!

3. Interpreting Legal Documents

There is no doubt that the free online templates will include technical legal terms, also known as ‘legalese’. This is often difficult to understand for a person without experience in the legal field.  When dealing with a solicitor, they will explain to you the terms and ‘legalese’ so that you understand what you are signing, the risks involved and ensure you are comfortable with your decisions.

4. Choosing Incorrect Forms and Incorrect Filings

Some legal forms can be very similar but are used to accomplish different outcomes. Choosing the incorrect legal form for what you need could result to various consequences and delays. Also, whether it is yourself or the legal document services that file the completed forms, they may not be filed correctly. Documents that are filed incorrectly may result in additional fees. More importantly, many forms need to be filed within a specific time-frame which may lead to consequences of their own if not filed on time.

5. Jurisdiction

One of the most common mistakes we see is people using a template that is drafted in accordance with a jurisdiction outside of the U.K. For example, many templates and documents are based on laws of the Unites States of America and fail to know or look for the differences in the applicable laws.

As tempting as it is to use free online templates these can cause potential problems. The time and money you initially save by using these services may be a small fraction of the trouble you could face in the future.

We are well versed in drafting various documents such as Non-Disclosure Agreements, Influencer Contracts and Supply Agreements. Please reach out to us if we can be of assistance.

For more information, please call us on 020 4571 8634 or email us at hello@birdilaw.com. Alternatively, please take a moment to complete our free enquiry form.

Disclaimer

Content on the Site is provided for your general information purposes only and to inform you about us and our products and news, features, services and other websites which may be of interest. It does not constitute technical, financial, or legal advice or any other type of advice and should not be relied on for any purposes. While we use reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information on the Site, we do not represent, warrant or promise (whether express or implied) that any information is or remains accurate, complete and up to date, or fit or suitable for any purpose. Any reliance you place on the information on the Site is at your own risk.