Largely a result of the pandemic, there has been a huge spike in the number of new companies providing online legal services in the last few years – and perhaps you’re considering whether this option is suitable for your particular needs, whether you’re a business in its early stages, or an individual wanting advice on writing a will.
There are a plethora of benefits that come with using an online legal service, from time and money savings to peace of mind regarding issues like compliance, for example. We explore these advantages – and more – in-depth below.
Lets You Get On With Business
If you’re in the process of setting up your own business, there’s no doubt that you’ll have an awful lot on your plate right now. From finding premises to sourcing suppliers to building a website, your time is likely to be a precious commodity at the moment.
Taking the time to learn about the legalities regarding forming a company and then properly undertaking all the paperwork and filing required to do so is something that you may simply not have the capacity to take on right now. And yet employing a solicitor or other legal professional to do so for you is an unwelcome additional expense.
A business formation service is extremely useful in this case; this sort of service can typically help with registering a business and preparing and filing articles of organization and any other documentation legally required. Some business formation services provide lots of additional support, too: such as compliance analysis, consultation services, and lifetime customer support; have a look at these Business Rocket reviews for more information if these extra services would be useful to you. This option is really useful, as it’s a one-stop-shop for all your business needs: the ‘starter’ package deals with the basic filing required to help get your business up and running, while the trademarking, logo and identity design, and web development services can form the natural next step of the journey.
Cost-Saving on Consultations
As a business or an individual, it’s virtually inevitable that, at some point, you’re going to require some legal advice, whether this is regarding employment law or where you stand if you break a contract with a supplier for what you feel are valid reasons.
A single hour of consultation with an attorney could set you back between $150 – $400, making this option inaccessible for many individuals, small businesses, or start-ups who, ironically, may have the most pressing need for legal advice. Alternatively, membership with a company providing online legal services can cost a small business as little as $50 a month, and part of the package includes discounted legal advice on a range of issues, thereby potentially saving this business hundreds of dollars.
Less Stress Divorces
While using an online service is only permissible in relation to certain cases, if yours is eligible, then as well as saving you time and money, an online divorce can also usually mean that you’re not subjected to the conflict and additional upset that can be the result of court proceedings to nullify the marriage. In general, online divorce services can be used where the marriage has been short-lived, where no children are involved, and the financial situation of the couple is uncomplicated.
The step-by-step nature of this type of provision can make what could otherwise seem like an overwhelming and intimidating process simple; typically, you run through a list of questions, providing the answers as you go, and the system will automatically generate the documents that you need.
Easy Copyrighting
Intellectual property rights can be a tricky, thorny issue, but online legal services can make the process a simple one. If you need a copyright for your business or brand or require a utility or design patent, then there are services tailored to provide the documents that you need, often using a system of just a few easy steps. Trademark searches and provisional patent applications can often be provided, too, so that you can be totally assured of the security of your intellectual property.
If you’ve come up with an invention, a design, or even a piece of music, then an online legal service could offer you the solution you need to copyright your work without needing to pay a hefty legal bill.
Flexibility to Fit Your Needs
And finally, the beauty of online legal services is the flexibility they provide: this is a solution tailored to fit around you and your needs, or that of your business, and that can be accessed 24/7.
For the ultimate in flexibility, there are even online companies now giving users the opportunity to connect with a legal professional to ask a single question for a relatively small fee. Once this is submitted, the answer required will be provided. This is really useful if you have a simple legal query, or want peace of mind over an ongoing issue, such as, for example, how to make a will or what resource you have if a store is refusing to give you a refund on a high-end item you recently purchased that turned out to be faulty.
Online legal services are designed to suit your lifestyle and your pocket and offer a range of highly flexible solutions which means that you can get on with enjoying your life or nurturing your new business.