STRANGE Legal Domain Question...

[GoPC]

Okay, so I bought ChildrensLawyer.com

Hosted it for a bit to get it indexed in the search engines and now it's parked at Sedo Pro.

Lately, in the past month and a half or so, I've been getting EMAILS from Parents, Moms, Dads, etc looking for LEGAL ADVICE or Referrals to Lawyers specializing in Children's Custody cases, Abuse cases, Child Support, etc.

I know, with no doubt, that I should'nt provide them with any advice whatsoever... but...

Is NOT doing something with these emails putting me at any kind of risk? I mean, should I not even be READING them? Am I am risk if I forward them on to a Lawyer? Keep in mind, these are unsolicited contacts and I don't even have a site up by which people could even misinterpret me as a Lawyer.

So I'm good right? No worries, right?

Still, part of me really feels for the people in these emails. I mean, you should read some of these. Sad things going on.

What should I do?

GoPC

 

[Rockefeller]

Maybe you could compile a list of childrens lawyers and then reply to these emails with that list, just let the people know that you are not an attorney and you are not qualified to give legal advice. At least they won't be waiting for a reply this way.

 

[GoPC]

That's kinda what I've been doing behind the emails... just googling lawyers in their area and giving them references to references.

Not much else I can do it seems. Still, I just wonder if I'm getting into some gray liability area here.

Thanks Rock

GoPC

 

[Deleted member 70408]

Sounds like you now know how to develop. How are they getting your personal email information?

 

[Bender]

How are they getting your personal email information?

that's what I want to know also.
are they smart enough to do a whois and dumb enough not to recognize a parking page??

 

[GoPC]

I used to have it hosted and I think that is probably where they got the email addy. Also, I advertised the domain on a few sites for Lawyers to buy advertising space on the site (or perhaps the domain).

I'm guessing that this is where the email is coming from, not the PPC page or whois.

GoPC

 

[Dave Zan]

Is there a specific law saying something should be done to those emails?

 

[TheLegendaryJP]

What should I do?

GoPC

Post the more interesting emails :yes:

 

[GoPC]

Is there a specific law saying something should be done to those emails?

No. Just like there's no specific law against spilling hot coffee in your lap and then suing McDonalds.

I don't like the idea that I've been exposed to someone's personal and potentially damaging/admission emails.

That's all I'm saying.

GoPC

PS - Legend... shame on you

 

[Beachie]

Question is are they visiting the site first, or just emailing you blind? If they're visiting the site you can do some basic development..

 

[poing]

Hi,

You might want to consider to make a 'lead-taking' website out of this one. Basically you collect the information and provide it to lawyers for a referral fee. Maybe there's a CPA network that can sell your referrals (not sure if there is).

/Frank

 

[TcDa]

Do some research, and partner with a lawyer (or lawyers) for a referral fee.

Call them. All they can say is "no".

 

[GoPC]

I would imagine that this kind of niche client application would be pretty valuable to an attorney that practices Children's Law.

Originally, my plan was to just put some "helpful information" and articles along with some adsense ads but you're right, hooking up directly with Attorneys would be a much better deal.

What is a fair finder's fee do you think? After reading some of these emails, it's fair to assume these people will give anything to keep/protect/get back their children. I know I would (I have four 7 yrs and under).

Thanks for the good ideas guys

GoPC

Well... it seems that there are some better minds than mine out there. I just sold the domain to someone that I think has the resources to do what's right with it and provide this kind of service to these needy families.

I wish him the very best with it and hope that the families he serves find the answers they are looking for.

For those that asked, here's one of the email I had received:

- START -

I am in need of legal help concerning custody of my son from Children’s Services harassment and threats to remove him from my home.

I am a working, single father of 4, but just barely make ends meet. I have committed no crime, and have done nothing to warrant the taking of my son from my home. They can find no reason but continue to try. I have a deadline of Dec. 15th to come up with a ‘Safety Plan’ that will be acceptable to CSD. There is no reason for this, other than I am a father with legal custody.

Please, I need help – NOW!

- END -

I withheld the name and email but forwarded it to the new domain owner along with the others.

Sad, huh? This guy needs help sooner than later. I wish he and his family the best.

GoPC

 

[lawpal]

What I can tell you from the point of view of a lawyer in Florida is that you should make sure to disclaim everything you say in response to inquiries directed to that domain name and advise everytime that you are not a lawyer. The unlicensed practice of law in Florida is a 3rd degree felony - punishable by up to 5 years in jail.