As a business owner, you may seek ways to save money and streamline your operations. The temptation to use DIY legal documents may seem appealing because of their low cost and convenience. After all, you can find templates online or generate them from DIY services, some even using AI, that promise to handle everything from contracts to employment agreements, all for a fraction of the price of hiring a professional.
But here’s the truth: cutting corners with DIY legal documents can lead to serious consequences that could cost you much more in the long run. DIY documents often fail to cover all the necessary bases, from missing crucial legal protections to exposing yourself to legal liabilities. And, when they fail, the cost is far higher than the cost of working with a lawyer who will counsel you, prepare documents for you that meet your specific needs, and be there for you when a conflict or dispute arises.
Let’s dive into why you should think twice before relying on these shortcuts for your business and why it’s a wise investment to work with a trusted advisor.
1. Omitting Crucial Legal Protections
When you use a DIY legal document, you’re relying on a generic template that might not consider your business’s unique needs. Legal documents are not one-size-fits-all. Each business has specific risks and requirements that must be addressed, and using a standard template leaves you exposed. For example, a contract between your business and a supplier might overlook key details such as dispute resolution clauses, intellectual property protections, or confidentiality agreements that could safeguard your business from costly misunderstandings or legal battles. By neglecting these protections, you open the door to expensive disputes that could have been avoided with customized, professional legal guidance.
Furthermore, DIY templates don’t always contain the latest laws or regulations. Laws change frequently, and what was legally sound a year ago might not be up-to-date now. By relying on old or incomplete templates, you may unintentionally put yourself at risk of violating the law or missing out on tax advantages, business incentives, or compliance requirements that are important to the smooth operation of your business.
2. Ambiguous Language
The language used in legal documents is crucial because it determines how the law will interpret your agreements. When you use a DIY document, you may be dealing with vague, unclear, or overly complicated language that leaves room for interpretation you didn’t intend. Ambiguity can also cause misunderstandings between you and your partners, employees, or clients—leading to costly legal disputes.
For instance, a poorly written employee contract may fail to clearly define job responsibilities, which can lead to confusion or disagreements later on. A vague non-compete agreement could be unenforceable, leaving you vulnerable to competition from former employees. Even minor misinterpretations can escalate into significant problems. Legal professionals know how to craft documents with precise language that eliminates confusion and ensures all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
If you don’t work with a trusted legal advisor, you risk making promises or agreements that you may not be able to honor, or worse, agreements that could be interpreted against your interests in a court of law.
3. Expensive Legal Mistakes
While it’s tempting to assume that using a DIY document saves you money, the reality is that mistakes can be far more expensive. If a legal document you create yourself leads to a lawsuit, regulatory fines, or business losses, the financial burden can quickly add up. A contract that doesn’t hold up in court could force you into costly negotiations, settlements, or even litigation. These costs often far exceed the amount you would have spent hiring a lawyer in the first place.
Additionally, DIY documents can result in inefficiencies that cost you time and energy – 2 of your most valuable and nonrenewable resources. The time spent researching legal terms and trying to understand the fine print could be better spent running your business. If your legal documents are incomplete or inaccurate, you’ll waste even more time trying to fix them after the fact. When you rely on a lawyer to create documents for your business, you not only gain peace of mind, but you also free yourself to focus on growing your business instead of dealing with legal headaches.
The Importance of Professional Support
As tempting as it may seem to save money with DIY legal documents, doing so can jeopardize the success and longevity of your business. Legal documents are more than just pieces of paper; they are the foundation of your business’s relationships, operations, and protections. Whether you’re drafting contracts, forming partnerships, or hiring employees, professional legal support from a trusted legal advisor is essential to ensure that your documents are airtight, clear, and legally compliant. And, you want an attorney who will proactively be there for you when something happens. Because even with the best contracts, something will happen, eventually.
Ultimately, the cost of hiring an experienced attorney to understand your business and then draft or review your legal documents is an investment that will pay off by protecting your business and your peace of mind. When you have a lawyer on your side, you can focus on what you do best—running your business—without worrying about legal pitfalls.
Taking Action Now
As a LIFTed Business Advisor and Attorney, I can help you create legal documents that protect your business and support its growth. That’s why I offer a comprehensive LIFT Business Breakthrough™ Session, where we’ll analyze your current legal foundations and identify any vulnerabilities in your existing documentation. Together, we’ll develop a strategy to ensure your business has the protection it needs to thrive.
Book a call here to learn more and get started today.
This article is a service of a Personal Family Lawyer® and LIFTed Business Advisors® Firm. I offer a complete spectrum of legal services for businesses and can help you make the wisest choices with your business throughout life and in the event of your death. I also offer a LIFT Business Breakthrough Session, which includes a review of all the legal, financial, and tax systems you need for your business. Call us today to schedule.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.