Several plaintiffs in Missouri are seeking class-action status in an effort to sue Legal Zoom. They claim that the services they received were legal in nature and should have been performed by an attorney licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction. Since they were not, they want a return of their fees and costs (and the triple damages allowed by the consumer protection law of the State). The lawsuit cites a North Carolina matter that held LegalZoom had engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. It is not clear what the full motivation is behind this lawsuit. Many attorneys resent online services that offer document preparation for very low prices. The lawsuit may be a way for attorneys to get back at Legal Zoom for "stealing" their business. However, it is rarely a good idea to attack a low-cost provider in an effort to boost your own business. Local stores are generally advised not to try to beat WalMart on prices - they cannot win that fight. Instead, small businesses c
This blog is written by Elder Law Attorney, Edward H. Adamsky. You will find articles about Elder Law, Estate Planning, Special Needs, Disability, Alzheimer's Disease, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, and other issues of important to families and elders.