Consumers often search online for some basic information before consulting an attorney. It's part of being a prudent consumer--looking for useful information, trying to determine what questions need to be addressed, and hopefully finding something that will point their feet in the right direction, to the right people.
Others search the internet for information in lieu of consulting an attorney. This is where things get dicey.
As is the case with
any subject matter online, there's a lot of information that is incomplete at best, and erroneous and potentially harmful at worst. Relying on bad legal information can cost you
dearly later on.
The internet is rife with junk
articles, peppered with generalizations and errors, thin on content, and not a lot of substance. Like wads of cotton candy hawked at the state fair--colorful, enticing and sweet-tasting, but not much you can sink your teeth into.
Those glossy, cute articles are meant to touch lightly on a subject and toss a few factoids to the reader. They are designed to draw
in visitors from the search engines to run up their per-click ad revenue meter. Unoriginal articles yielding a nugget or two of dubious information for the unsuspecting visitor. Empty calories.
You've seen them: "Winning strategies for bankruptcy," "How to beat a DUI," or "Don't let the government
take your estate." The sensationalized title may grab your attention, but the accompanying story frames the subject
matter in an overly-simplistic, superficial view. Pure fluff.
With legal information it's never simple. How do you know you're
getting the real deal from some online article?
Look at the byline. Was the piece written by a knowledgeable practitioner in your state, or some person whose background is outside the field of expertise being presented? Does the writer cite (with links) authoritative, up-to-date primary legal sources to back up their position? Does the author state their professional credentials and their areas of proficiency, and are those credentials on point? Or is it merely listed as some staff writer? That "legal" or "personal financial" writer might be nothing more than a fledgling journalism student or random nobody trying to make a name for himself/herself. The Dunning-Kruger effect is pervasive, and the internet is filled with people who purport to know things they aren't qualified to speak on.
Stick with information
from attorneys and law firms practicing in your jurisdiction, who know the
applicable law and how it's applied. Seek out articles published by law professors. Government sources are often a good source of helpful legal pointers.
Many legal topics of interest to consumers are effectively addressed by the
state Attorney General's site. Keep in mind that these online
sources are not dispensing legal advice; but rather, giving some basic tips to steer you in the right direction.
Contact your state or local bar association
to
find qualified attorneys to reach
out to. Many of those attorneys will give a short initial consultation
for free or at a reduced fee.