What Is a Legal Document Assistant and How Can One Help You?

If you've been searching for affordable legal help in California, you may have come across the term "Legal Document Assistant", but what exactly does that mean, and how can one help you?

What Is a Legal Document Assistant?

A Legal Document Assistant (LDA) is a registered, bonded professional authorized under California Business and Professions Code sections 6400–6415 to prepare legal documents for self-represented individuals. LDAs are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court, but they can prepare all the paperwork you need, accurately and efficiently, at a fraction of attorney costs.

Think of an LDA as a knowledgeable guide who helps you navigate the paperwork side of the legal system, so you can represent yourself with confidence.

How Is an LDA Different from an Attorney?

The main differences come down to scope and cost. An attorney can give you legal advice, represent you in court, and advocate on your behalf. An LDA prepares documents at your direction, meaning you make the decisions, and we make sure the paperwork is done correctly.

For many self-represented individuals in California, an LDA is exactly what they need. If your situation is relatively straightforward, an uncontested divorce, a name change, a living trust, an LDA can handle all the required documents without the high cost of legal representation.

What Can By The People Help With?

At By The People, we assist self-represented individuals throughout California with a wide range of document preparation needs, including:

• Divorce and legal separation

• Child custody and support

• Estate planning (living trusts, wills, powers of attorney)

• Name changes

• Unlawful detainer (evictions)

• And much more

We are registered and bonded in Kern County (LDA No. 237) and have been helping clients move forward since 2009.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today. We'll explain exactly how we can help and give you a clear, upfront quote, no obligation, completely confidential.

📞 (760) 382-2481 | docs@bythepeopleusa.com