With the rise of TikTok, more and more lawyers have taken to social media to advertise their services. For example, many lawyers advertise on TikTok by making funny, trendy videos, by sharing their opinions on news-worthy events, or by recanting stories from past cases. Some lawyers even create videos giving basic advice to current or prospective clients. As a litigant or as someone thinking about filing an action, you may be inclined to take advice from a lawyer on social media. After all, they say they are a lawyer, and their advice is free! While the money saved from doing so is certainly a bonus, there are a few reasons why getting legal advice from social media may negatively impact you and your case.

The lawyer giving the advice may not actually be a lawyer.

It is very easy to pretend to be someone else on the internet. While someone may claim to be a lawyer online, there is no way to prove that they are and have received the appropriate licensing to practice law in their state. Therefore, you run the risk of getting wrong information that could negatively affect the outcome of your case.  

The person giving advice is not required to keep any information you share with them confidential.

Lawyers are bound by ethical obligations that include maintaining client confidentiality and providing competent representation. Individuals who claim to be attorneys online may or may not uphold these rigorous standards, potentially leading to a breach of confidentiality or bad legal advice. If you receive bad advice from someone online and act on it, it will be very difficult to hold that individual accountable.

Laws vary from state to state.

If you see a video or post from an individual claiming to be a lawyer online, there is a good chance that they do not live in your state. Laws and regulations vary from state to state, so there is a possibility that any advice obtained online may not apply to your specific situation, depending on where you live. Relying on unverified information from an unreliable source may cause significant problems or delays in your matter.

Every case is unique, and advice that may apply to one case may not apply to yours.

Creators on social media are often constrained by word counts or time limits, often leading to an oversimplification of complex issues. Legal matters, specifically family matters, are very unique and nuanced and cannot be addressed through online videos or posts. Facts are important and even one difference in your case could significantly impact the results.  Trying to resolve your matter online may jeopardize the outcome of your case if you rely on advice not tailored for your unique situation.

If you are in the process of a separation or divorce, contact Nelson, Krueger & Millenbach, LLC at (414) 258-1644 to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your specific situation.