April 24th, 2010Legal Advice Along With Your Sprouts?
Tesco is currently finalising the launch of its own legal services range, after calls from Lord Falconer’s for an improvement in the accessibility and affordability of legal help.
In addition to discounted will writing and storage services, Tesco Legal is also poised to offer a DIY divorce kit for less than ten pounds, which put an end to a marriage without the need for a solicitor or legal professional.
The leading supermarket chain is also set to roll out DIY letting agreements and packs containing all forms people need to set up a limited company. These packs are accompanied by an online help service and a glossary of terms to help navigate the complexities of legalise. For more intricate legal problems the site offers a solicitors directory of those who can offer more complicated advice.
Experts in the field have said that Tesco Legal Store is set to be a frontrunner, but that many other companies will follow suit, offering an even wider range of cut price or self service legal services, particularly after the reform of the ownership rules which previously governed law firms.
In July 2009 following the release of a consultation document , lord Falconer hailed the move, dubbed ‘Tesco law’, as a visionary start to many more high street companies offering a new type of legal advice to the public. However the leader of the consultation, David Clementi, said the term ‘Tesco law’ was little more than a media coo and urged experts and the public to not be distracted by the term and deal with the real matter.
However, it does seem that the DIY or services will appear and continue to increase, possibly leading to a decline in the numbers seeking professional advice from qualified solicitors, with many experts concerned about the quality of such advice and urging those needing legal advice to stick to traditional methods and reputable legal firms.
However, The Law Society, seem unconcerned about their members seeing a drop in clients, issuing a statement saying they see Tesco Legal as an “innovative addition to the market”.
Cheshire solicitors, Oneill Morgan have expertise in a wide range of legal areas, so if you need advice then visit www.oneill-morgan.co.uk to find out more about wills and probate and other areas of law.