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Writer's pictureMitch Tandeske

Deciding Between Online Forms or an Attorney

Updated: Mar 31, 2023

Mobile Notaries witness signatures on a variety of legal documents. Many of them are prepared by attorneys. Others are generic pre-printed documents or copies with blanks to be completed by the preparer. An alternative gaining more popularity is customized online legal documents, forms and contracts. These are produced on websites with proprietary software that allow users to choose a template, then answer a few questions to generate customized printable documents for a fee. Because Notaries Public are not attorneys and therefore not license to practice law, they may not draft legal documents or give advice on legal matters. Deciding whether to use an online document preparation tool or to work directly with an attorney is an important decision. There are benefits to both methods, but ultimately the choice is yours.


Benefits of DIY Online Documents, Forms and Contracts


Many choose to use a reputable online do-it-yourself document preparation tool to create, edit and print documents, forms and contracts. A few examples of reputable online forms resources are: Quicken WillMaker 2023, NOLO and LawDepot. You can find direct links to these resources on the Notary of Portland home page. These online resources offer hundreds of quality document templates suitable for use in all 50 states. Whether you are interested in Estate Planning, Real Estate transactions, Personal Finance documents, Business documents or Family Planning, these online resources are likely to offer a customizable document solution for you. Document templates from QuickenWillMaker 2023, NOLO and LawDepot are thorough and built by teams of legally trained professionals who have practiced law in a range of countries around the world. Their legal teams work closely with a staff of professional writers to maintain their library of document templates and resources so you can navigate your personal situation with confidence. Simply choose a template and answer a few questions to create and edit a legal document to save, share or print for your personal or professional use.

Using an online tools like Quicken WillMaker 2023, NOLO or LawDepot include many positives:

  • You can work at your own pace and in your own time

  • You might be more motivated to get started if you can do this on your own

  • Online services are generally less expensive than working directly with an attorney

  • You may feel like you have more control over the process

  • You don't have to leave your home

  • Many customized documents can be completed in 5-10 minutes

Benefits of Using an Attorney for Document Preparation


Some circumstances are far too complex to rely on an online tool for document preparation. Sometimes a person is better off to invest and engage with an attorney specializing in estate planning or business law to make sure that all questions are answered and that you make the right decisions when you have options.


Working with an attorney to prepare legal documents comes with its own benefits to consider:

  • You can engage with attorney to have all questions answered and seek advice when several options are available to you

  • You are assured that your documents comply with state laws

  • An attorney may notice issues that you are not aware of or make suggestions that you would never have considered when preparing documents alone.

When your Document is ready for Notarization - Choose Notary of Portland


Whether you choose to prepare your document using an online resource or you choose to work with an attorney to prepare your document the final step will likely involve a Notary Public witnessing your signature, sometimes after administering an oath. A convenient option is to utilize a Mobile Notary. What is a Mobile Notary? A Mobile Notary is a Notary Public that travels to meet you at a time and place convenient for you and the other signing parties.


Notary of Portland offers a professional mobile notary service in the greater Portland metro area. Easy online scheduling of same day appointments at all hours and all days is available 24/7. Our traveling notaries are trained, experienced, licensed and insured. We travel to you at the time and to the place you choose. When you need a notary at home, work or any other location, choose Notary of Portland to schedule your appointment. We will arrive on time and complete your notarization professionally and promptly.


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