A Louisiana man is suing an online company that prepares legal documents claiming the business isn't licensed to practice law in the state.
Anthony Lowery filed the lawsuit on April 8 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Divorce Source, Inc. alleging the company violated Louisiana state law by helping him prepare divorce documents online in August 2014.
The lawsuit claims Divorce Source advertises that it is a “money-saving alternative to lawyers.”
“It is unlawful for the defendant to charge or collect fees from its customers for the preparation of legal documents, and the defendant is legally obligated to refund to the plaintiff and the plaintiff class all fees charged and collected by the defendant,” the lawsuit said.
According to the suit, Lowery paid approximately $299 to Divorce Source to prepare a petition for divorce while he was in Louisiana. State laws stipulate that part of practicing law is drawing up papers related to the court proceedings, the suit says.
In addition to himself, Lowery is seeking class-action status for all those that used Divorce Source services to prepare legal documentation.
The lawsuit seeks to recover legal fees paid by Lowery to the company for preparing the documents. The lawsuit is also seeking a refund of legal expenses incurred by the class members.
Lowery is represented by William H. Beaumont of William H. Beaumont, T.A. in New Orleans and Roberto L. Costales of Costales Law Office in New Orleans.
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case No. 2:15-cv-01120.