Estate Planning Fraud Alert

There is danger in using online documents. Read our article here on "The Dangers of Internet Documents." This blog posting is to give you an update on the two class action suits mentioned in the article.

The Missouri Case:
Todd Janson, et al. v. Legalzoom.com, Inc., Case 1:10-CV-04018-NKL

Synopsis of case: This class action suit claims that Legalzoom.com, Inc. ("Legalzoom"), an internet provider of legal documents, is unlawfully practicing law in Missouri by providing legal documents and instructions over the internet.

A judge ruled against Legalzoom's request to dismiss the case. The case goes to trial August 22, 2011. We will keep you posted.

The California Case:
Webster v. Legalzoom.com, Inc., No. BC 438637 (Los Angeles Super. Ct. filed May 27, 2010)

Synopsis of case: Katherine Webster, the executor of an estate, claimed that Legalzoom created a trust that was legally defective causing the estate to pay over $10,000 to undo damage done by the flawed trust. Ms. Webster claimed that Legalzoom used unfair and deceptive business practices as well as engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

Legalzoom is settling with the Plaintiffs in the Webster case which will also resolve a related class action suit, Whiting v. Legalzoom.com, Inc. Legalzoom is not accepting blame for the defective trust. They are offering to settle in order to stop legal costs in the courts. We will keep you posted.

Future Updates:
We will be covering a serious of online articles regarding the issues of the unlawful practice of law and online legal document companies in the next few weeks. It is a serious matter, and it is important for you to be aware of the issues in order to protect yourself from being harmed.