Free legal documents can be found through court websites, non-profit agencies, and bar associations. However, caution should be exercised when using forms found on the internet. It is important to understand the law and know what forms are required and how to fill them out.
While the advice and assistance of a licensed solicitor is recommended before embarking on a legal matter, there are a number of situations where an individual may choose to proceed on their own, without representation. When an individual chooses to proceed without an attorney, she often has to find free legal documents to help prepare the case or complete the task. Free legal documents are often available through court websites or offices, or by contacting non-profit agencies such as a legal aid firm, or online in some cases.
A person may need free legal documents to complete legal forms such as a last will and testament or power of attorney. In many cases, the best place to look for free local records of this type is through non-profit agencies such as a local legal aid firm or agencies dedicated to senior issues, such as the Retiree Advancement Association (AARP). . Agencies like these often provide sample forms or fill-in forms for simple, commonly used legal documents. If they don’t have the appropriate form, they may be able to provide directions to an agency that does have the form.
Another great resource for commonly used legal forms are local, state, or national bar associations. A bar association is a group of lawyers that often produces consumer pamphlets or brochures to educate consumers about legal issues. The educational materials they publish may also include free legal documents for consumer use.
If the required free legal documents are documents needed to initiate a legal action in a court of law, the court itself is often the best source for the forms. Many websites or court offices have a self-help section that provides background information for litigants. As part of their self-help section, many courts also provide the legal forms you need to file or respond to a lawsuit. Keep in mind, however, that courts cannot give legal advice to a litigant. Therefore, anyone who chooses to use the free legal documents provided should understand the law and know what forms are required and how to fill them out.
As a last resort, an individual can search the internet for free legal documents. There are a number of sites where you can find free legal documents of all types. However, a person should exercise caution when using forms found on the Internet, as there is no guarantee that the form will comply with the laws of the jurisdiction where the form is to be stored or used.
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