FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Document Assistants asked by our clients:

Who are Legal Document Assistants?

 
A Legal Document Assistant (LDA), also commonly known as “Document Technician,” “Legal Document Preparer,” “Legal Technician,” “Online Legal Document Provider” and “Legal Document Clerk”) in the United States is a non-lawyer authorized to assist with the preparation of legal instruments. Unlike a paralegal, legal document assistants do not work under the supervision of an attorney.

A Legal Document Assistant is an American phenomenon created in response to the strictest licensing laws for attorneys in the world. The job was created by using the doctrine of pro se to enable someone to help another prepare a legal document. Except for Louisiana and Puerto Rico, in the United States only an attorney can advise and draft a legal document for another. With the self-help pro se concept and stock legal forms the Legal Document Preparer profession was born.

Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1st, 2000, only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are now officially known as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs).

LDAs have the same educational background as a paralegal and are REQUIRED by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business.

Lori Burgess-Watkins is a Certificated Paralegal, Certified Notary Public, and a registered and bonded LDA with offices located in the County of Placer. She has over 35 years of experience in the legal and business fields and is uniquely qualified to assist you in the preparation and processing of your legal documents.

Do I need an LDA?

 
If you do not know your legal rights in a situation, chances are highly likely that you may need to see an attorney.

If you already have decided on a course of action but are uncertain about how to fill out the paperwork, you may need your own personal LDA.

If you recently bought a legal self-help book, an LDA may be especially helpful in helping you finish and file your legal paperwork.