5 Top Legal Services

How to choose a legal service

Legal help comes in different forms. A law firm gives advice from licensed lawyers. An online document service provides forms and filing help but may not be a law firm and may not be able to give legal advice. Question-and-answer platforms connect you with experts for general guidance. Know which one you are using before you rely on what it tells you.

• Licensing: check that a lawyer is licensed where your matter is handled. Bar associations and law societies usually offer a public lookup.
• Fees: ask whether you will pay hourly, a fixed fee or a percentage of any settlement, and which costs are extra.
• Engagement letter: get the scope of work and fees in writing before work starts.
• Subscriptions: some online legal services and question sites renew monthly. Note how to cancel.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Slow responses, unexpected bills and unclear scope cause most disputes. Agree on how often you will get updates and keep emails. If you change lawyers, ask for your file.

Recurring charges after a one-time question are a frequent complaint about legal question platforms. Read the sign-up page closely for trial and membership terms.

On CandorRated, company pages show reviews from clients, who runs the website, how long its domain has existed and the contact details we found. Filtering by country and city helps when you need a firm licensed in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Is an online legal document service the same as a lawyer?

Not usually. Many state that they are not law firms. Read their terms to see what help is included.

Where can I complain about a lawyer?

Most places have a regulator or bar body that handles complaints about lawyers' conduct.