Dangers of DIY Legal Forms

✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | June 12, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

You wouldn’t perform surgery with a YouTube video—so why risk your business on a free legal form?
Many Canadian small business owners use do-it-yourself legal templates to save time and money. But what seems like a shortcut often leads to expensive and avoidable mistakes.

Most free or cheap templates you find online are either U.S.-based, outdated, or too generic to offer real protection. They often lack essential clauses, contradict Canadian business laws, or leave out details crucial to enforcement. If a dispute arises, those vague contracts could work against you.

Here are just a few real risks:

No clear payment terms or penalties for non-performance
Improper jurisdiction clauses
No definition of deliverables or timelines
Missing protection for intellectual property or personal liability
Failure to meet provincial compliance standards

The result? Disputes, legal battles, and contracts that won’t hold up in court.

Hiring a high-priced corporate law firm may not be realistic, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Today, more small business owners are turning to affordable legal memberships that provide access to licensed professionals for contract reviews and custom support. It’s a practical way to get peace of mind without unpredictable costs.

Legal templates are a starting point, not a safety net. If you’re serious about your business, your documents need to be as strong as your vision.

Shortcuts may save you time now, but a single mistake could cost you your entire business later.

Have questions or not sure where to start? I’m here to help—reach out anytime.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

TAGS: #DIY Legal Risks #Small Business Contracts #Entrepreneur Legal Tips #Protect Your Business #Legal Forms Canada #Subscription Legal Help #WBN News Langley #WBN News Abbotsford #WBN News Okanagan #Debbie Balfour