I’m often asked “Why should I hire an attorney, it’s cheaper thru the internet?”

It’s cheaper thru the internet.- BEWARE

The State of Washington has just entered into an agreement with LegalZoom relating to charges that LegalZoom is engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. LegalZoom offers legal forms over the Internet to consumers throughout the United States and including the State of Washington. As a result of the investigation LegalZoom offered and the Attorney General accepted an Assurance of Discontinuance.  Notwithstanding the unauthorized practice of law charges, LegalZoom was also investigated for many other charges, the most serious being, turning over sensitive, privately identifying personal and financial information to others.

Although, LegalZoom does not admit to any of these charges, the Assurance of Discontinuance is effective on October 1, 2010. Therefore, so it will be worthwhile following LegalZoom to see what changes, if any, are made to LegalZoom.com, and other Internet companies selling and “practicing “ law in the State of Maryland and throughout the United States.

Also, if LegalZoom is no longer producing wills, trusts or other legal documents in State of Washington, why is LegalZoom not being pursued by Maryland’s Attorney General?