Prior to the year 2000, Legal Document Assistants were formerly known in California as Paralegals or Independent Paralegals. In 2000, however, California enacted a new law changing the name to Legal Document Assistant. The new law requires that such individuals do the following:
A Paralegal, under California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450, is an individual who is qualified by education, training or work experience, who either is employed by or contracts with an attorney and who performs substantive legal work under the direction and supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California. A Legal Document Assistant, however, under California Business and Professions Code, Section 6400, is an individual authorized to provide, or assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing himself or herself in a legal matter.
The difference, therefore, is that a Paralegal works under the direction and supervision of a California licensed attorney whereas a Legal Document Assistant works under the direction of the client representing himself or herself.
The preparation of legal documents often seems and feels like an overwhelming and daunting task to do on one’s own. Consequently, this leads most individuals to conclude that they must hire a licensed attorney. Depending on your legal needs, however, hiring a Legal Document Assistant may represent a much more affordable alternative. Though not permitted to provide legal advice, Legal Document Assistants may do the following:
Hiring a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant can take the confusion out of preparing legal documents and help you avoid the pitfalls that can delay your case. Contact IntegriDocs today for professional assistance!