Attorney
Over the past decade or so, the dawning of web-based legal services has skyrocketed into a billion-dollar industry, thanks in part to companies like Legal Zoom and Rocket Lawyer. Oftentimes, customers are attracted to the many conveniences of these services, including the ability to bypass an actual trip to a lawyer’s office. While these services may be preferable in certain, very limited, circumstances, customers are still running the risk of incomplete – or ill-fitting – documents that do not actually accomplish their ultimate legal goals. As well, certain legal services mandate the direct involvement of a licensed attorney with knowledge of the situation – supporting the notion that not all services are best conducted over the web.
Take end-of-life start-ups for instance; a quickly growing entrepreneurship focusing on mortuarial services and end-of-life planning. Highlighted in recent article by the New York Times, funeral services companies are beginning to evolve after maintaining a longstanding reputation against the introduction of technology. Because of this, according to insiders, the “death care industry” has been able to avoid price transparency, often resulting in sticker shock for the grieving family left to foot the bill. Now, these tech start-ups are introducing ways for surviving loved ones to essentially plan an entire funeral and/or memorial service online – without ever speaking to a funeral director directly.
As long-term practitioners of estate planning and elder law, we caution our clients against purchasing these highly-important documents online, as the terms and provisions are generally not amenable from one client to the next. Moreover, complexities like multi-state asset ownership, high-net worth or special medical needs will likely not be addressed in an estate plan purchased online. For these reasons, we encourage you to make the investment and visit an experienced estate planning attorney today!
To learn more, call Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Today.
We look forward to hearing from you! To schedule a consultation, call 925-275-5509.