A template is usually fine for
- A standard residential lease with one tenant.
- Selling a used car with a bill of sale.
- A small loan to a friend with a promissory note.
- A mutual NDA before a business conversation.
- A demand letter before small claims court.
Get a lawyer when
- The stakes are high: a house, a business, a large loan, your children.
- The other side has a lawyer drafting or reviewing.
- Your situation is unusual: blended families, property in several states, a disabled beneficiary, business partners.
- You’re already in a dispute that could go to court.
- State law is strict: evictions, real estate transfers, non-competes.
What it costs
Many lawyers review a document for a flat fee of $150-$500, or draft simple ones for a few hundred dollars. Estate plans often run $1,000-$3,000. Compare typical costs with the lawyer cost estimator on our partner site.
A good middle ground
Fill in the template yourself, then pay a lawyer to review it. You save drafting time and still get an expert’s eye. Need help finding one? Get a free case review.
