When asked why self-represented litigants choose to forego professional representation, one answer keeps coming up: financial difficulties. Many turn to cheap legal services to save money. Legal document drafting, document production, and formatting important documents are prime areas for such services. We understand why individuals would opt for these options. What they may not realise is that they can have unintended consequences. Here are the risks.
Key takeaways
Complexity of document production
Drafting contracts and other legal documents is multifaceted, involving careful attention to content, document production, formatting, and high-quality print requirements, ensuring a professional print display.
Comprehensiveness
Family law documents must include all the essential information relevant to the individual’s case. Including incorrect information or unnecessary elements can render the document invalid. Legal documents, such as contracts and brochures, often need to be consistent with other evidence provided as part of the case. Who is best equipped to have the expertise and holistic understanding of an individual’s case? All documentation, including print materials, must be up-to-date, precise, and compliant with legislation.
Forms such as affidavits must align with an accepted display. The document must also have the appropriate style, structure, and print quality to establish clarity and professionalism. Contracts and other legal documents require precise wording, which can be the difference between a successful application and costly reviews or resubmissions. A well-prepared project, including proper display and high-quality print production, ensures the document meets all necessary standards.
Multiple inputs
Legal forms often include input from parties outside of the lawyer and client. You need to synthesise the expertise of different professionals effectively. For example, valuation specialists may provide support for a complete disclosure of a property order. Liaising with all the necessary experts, ensuring precise documentation, and delivering professional print materials require a commitment to the client’s entire family law journey.
Strategising
Documents can form part of a broader legal strategy. For example, consent orders for parenting and property matters can be filed simultaneously. These documents, whether in print or digital style, must be accurate and collected efficiently to support the overall job at hand. High-quality print versions support clarity and professionalism. They should work harmoniously so that a party’s financial circumstances align with their parenting arrangements.
Risks of legal drafters
Legal drafting brochures offer individuals an attractive service. Pay a one-time fixed fee, and you can get the documentation you need to settle your family law matter. These documents, whether in digital or print style, are often delivered quickly and presented professionally.
High-quality print materials, combined with attention to detail in stationery, colour formatting, and overall display, support the job is completed to a high standard, often within a guaranteed short time frame.
Rushed agreements
Specialist legal drafters often guarantee turnarounds on legal documents as short as 24 hours. While this may seem efficient, it can cause many issues. Rushing the job often compromises accuracy and quality, especially in critical areas like formatting, print presentation, print quality, colour consistency, and binding. A professional team ensures that legal documents are prepared meticulously to meet users’ needs while maintaining a high standard of presentation, including the use of appropriate stationery and finishes.
Templates
Legal drafters may rely on templates to produce a document quickly. While this approach allows the job to be handled quickly, it carries huge risks in family law issues, as no two cases are the same. A one-size-fits-all approach may streamline the drafting process, but it often overlooks a case’s specific requirements. Critical elements, such as accurate print presentation, high-quality print materials, and consistent print formatting, can also be neglected. Without tailored action, this can result in an agreement that is unenforceable.
Added costs
You may think that one-off fixed-fee document production will help save you money. But you need to consider the potential consequences. A simple, fast approach may not meet the specific needs of your case. Poorly drafted agreements, often produced without the input of an experienced team, can cause delays.
These delays add to a client’s costs, introduce preventable complications, and waste valuable time. What may seem like savings in the first minutes or year can quickly result in larger expenses. Properly bound, accurate print documents of the right size and quality, as well as a professional print presentation, offer reliability and peace of mind.
Risk of duress
Family law clients are often in a vulnerable position. They may be pressured into accepting an agreement that is against their best interests. For example, being coerced into a property order can have far-reaching implications. Disputes can arise over key items, creating live issues that negatively impact both parties. Properly drafted and printed agreements, supported by great attention to detail and high-quality print presentation, are essential to secure outcomes that protect the interests of all involved.
A Family lawyer for your law documents
Family lawyers provide crucial services on behalf of individuals. A lawyer can benefit a client in various ways more than a dedicated legal drafter, including ensuring documents are accurate, tailored, and professionally presented in digital and print formats.
Tailored assistance
Family lawyers can develop a complete picture of your case. Family law issues often don’t exist in a vacuum. Having legal help that can provide a coherent legal strategy is important. Once your lawyer understands your case, they can ensure that any legal document is drafted to reflect your needs and circumstances, with careful attention to detail, including professional binding and colour formatting for a polished, high-quality presentation.
Cost-effectiveness
Tailored service and expertise save individuals money in the long term. A family lawyer can accurately deliver a project, preventing unnecessary hold-ups and allowing the client to access the law without undue costs.
Conclusion
Legal drafting services can seem like a good option for individuals looking for a quick and affordable solution. However, these services carry risks that can cost a client time and money. An effective family lawyer will help you navigate the law safely.
The team was very helpful in fostering and maintaining a good relationship and working with us for a final outcome. All involved listened and help guide through what was an unknown process.
