When searching online for legal forms or information, it is important to use safe internet practices to avoid scams or other misrepresented services.
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When representing oneself, it is up to each litigant to understand the procedures of a lawsuit, draft the legal forms required, file them with the court, notify the other parties, and present the case to the judge in court. Many self-represented (pro se) litigants think that legal information and forms are readily available online. When using a search engine to look for answers to a legal question, many websites for attorneys, legal documents, and other legal services appear as advertisements or in the search results. However, not every online source is a reputable source of legal information.
Question-and-answer style webpages where online users post legal questions and are seemingly met with responses from attorneys are not always the best sources of legal information. Be wary of social media posts and videos that claim to describe shortcuts or other unusual methods for navigating the legal system.
When reviewing a website that offers legal services, such as drafting legal documents or answers to legal questions, read carefully what services are provided before offering any personal information or payment. Always be cautious of any website that asks for payment information, such as a credit card number.
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Some websites advertise the service of drafting legal forms for a small fee. While the forms that are delivered may or may not be useful, these websites often only draft the forms and return them to the purchaser, and many pro se litigants think that is enough to complete their case. Completing legal forms is one step of legal procedure, and it is up to the litigant to file the forms with the appropriate court. There are fees to file legal forms with the court that are not covered by the fees charged by a website that drafts legal forms.
Examples of legal forms are available for free through websites maintained by nonprofit organizations such as TexasLawHelp.org, or at your local law library. Some attorneys or law firms can provide limited scope representation and draft or review legal forms at a more affordable rate.
Only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice or represent a party in court if they are not going to represent themself. When researching attorneys or law firms, it is important to look beyond the information provided in a website link that pops up in a search engine.
The State Bar of Texas website provides a search tool of licensed attorneys in the state. Search by the attorney’s name, bar number, or other contact information. The local bar association can provide further information about a particular attorney or law firm, as well as volunteer or pro bono attorney programs – for example, the Houston Bar Association provides both the Houston Lawyer Referral Service and the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Customer review websites such as Yelp or Google Maps provide a further look into the legitimacy of an attorney or law firm as well as the perspectives of other litigants who have worked with them. Social media websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter are also accessible sources of information about an attorney or law firm.
It is also important to be aware of common scams. To learn more, visit the following trusted resources: