What is the Difference between a Paralegal and a Certified Legal Document Preparer?

Both paralegals and certified legal document preparers offer legal services in varying capacities, but the professions are sometimes confused with each other. A certified legal document preparer, also known as a legal document assistant (LDA), prepares documents under the direction of a client. The client does not necessarily have to be an attorney. However, a San Diego paralegal will work directly with an attorney in the majority of circumstances, and there are several other important differences between the two professions.

Legal document assistants can be confused with a San Diego paralegal

It is common that a for a legal document assistant to be confused with a San Diego paralegal because the nature of some of their work is similar. However, the law in many states including California restricts the term paralegal to refer only to legal assistants who work for an attorney. LDAs have to also be bonded and licensed in the county where they wish to practice, and most LDAs are required to have at least two years of training prior to starting work for their clients.

Both a San Diego paralegal and a legal document assistant cannot give legal advice

A San Diego paralegal and a legal document assistant are both prohibited from giving legal advice, even though a legal document assistant will often work directly with clients. LDAs can help clients with their legal research as needed but cannot offer specific legal advice to them. A San Diego paralegal less commonly works directly with clients, as most of the time the attorney that the paralegal works for will do most of the client interaction. Also, both a legal document assistant and a San Diego paralegal are prohibited from representing clients in court.

A San Diego paralegal does not need to be registered

Legal document assistants have to go through various steps to becoming licensed and registered under the state and local government authority. A paralegal does not need to go through these steps. Also, under California law, a legal document assistant must post a bond of $25,000 for consumer protection, while a San Diego paralegal is not required to do this because they do not work directly with consumers outside of the direction of an attorney.

Need Help?

If you are not sure as to what legal document you currently have contact one of our professionals to help you with your planning needs. They will make sure you have all of your grounds covered and have the right legal documents that best suite your wants and needs.