FAQs
What is an LDA?
A Legal Document Assistant (LDA) is a non-attorney who can complete legal
documents for you at your instruction. LDAs can also file these documents and
forms with the court and have them served to the appropriate party. LDAs can
supply attorney-approved written materials for your self-help legal needs. An
LDA is registered and bonded in the county in which they operate their
business.
What can’t a LDA do?
• An LDA is NOT an attorney and therefore cannot give you legal advice
• An LDA cannot select the forms you should file
• An LDA cannot represent you in court, interpret documents, or
tell you what information should be inserted in those documents
Are Paralegals the same as LDAs?
No, a Paralegal works under the direct supervision of an attorney, They are
either employed by, or contracted by, a law firm and prepare documents for
clients of the firm. Although many LDAs have paralegal backgrounds and
training, a paralegal cannot accept compensation for preparing documents for
consumers. Paralegals cannot independently prepare documents for a consumer.
Paralegals cannot represent you in court or give you legal advice. Paralegals
cannot work as an LDA unless meeting the requirements of being bonded and
registered by the county.
How do I choose an LDA?
First find out if the LDA is registered and bonded. Those LDAs that meet the
county requirement have a county issued registration card. Not every LDA is
right for you. Choose an LDA that you feel has the training and experience that
will meet your needs.
Why not retain an attorney?
Some legal situations require the expertise of an attorney, and your LDA will
tell you if your specific situation meets that criteria (contested divorces,
for instance). It is also a good idea to initially speak to a lawyer to see
whether or not your legal needs can be met on your own.
Will I be saving money?
There are some fees that are the same whether or not you hire an attorney or
LDA. This would be the court filing fees or service fees for a process server.
The way firms work, many attorneys calculate their time spent on your documents
by the hour or portion thereof, hence each document has an approximate time in
which the lawyer will bill for that particular legal document. When you retain
an attorney you will be asked for a sum of money as a retainer. Often this is a
rather large amount and you do not see the accounting until after you have
utilized the firm’s services. LDAs often charge one flat rate, and only when modifications are
being made to the documents, will an LDA request more.
