subject: Are You Hiring A Lawyer To Fill Out A Legal Form? [print this page] Any legal procedure involves seemingly endless forms and documents to be signed and submitted, which can be both intimidating and tedious. The complexities of the law make it especially difficult to decipher many of the documents. Theres always the option to hire a lawyer, but for most circumstances, this is an unnecessary (and pricey) expense.
This is where a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) should be utilized. An experienced professional authorized to prepare legal documents for a client, at the direction of the client, can aid in handling legal matters without the expensive price tag of an attorney. An increasing number of people today are exploiting the services of LDAs in less complicated legal matters. An estimated 75% of these matters are handled without lawyers in many states, according to reports. An LDA can assist with legal document preparation while filing divorce papers in uncontested divorces, legal separation, bankruptcies, wills and many others. Governed by the California Business & Professions Code, LDAs are required to maintain high professional standards and refrain from unethical conduct, including unauthorized practice of law.
The roles and responsibilities of an LDA include:
Giving the client clear indication of the cost for services, upfront.
Providing the client with a fully executed copy of the Legal Document Assistant Contract.
Explaining their scope of work clearly to the client.
Accurately using the information provided by the client when preparing the documents.
Maintaining complete confidentiality.
Informing the client about resolving any disputes that may arise during their relationship.
Referring an attorney or any other legal aid if required.
Giving the client complete access to the documents provided by them and returning them immediately upon request.
A Legal Document Assistant is authorized under California law to prepare legal documents at the discretion of a client. While an LDA cannot give legal advice, suggest a course of action or represent a client in court, they play a critical part in the judicial system, helping people represent themselves by ensuring that their papers are correctly completed, filed and submitted.
A registered Legal Document Assistant is the answer to correctly completing legal documents and providing valuable resources (except legal advice) for people who arent very familiar with legal procedures.
