Legal Document Assistant Disclosure

What a Legal Document Assistant is

California Business and Professions Code section 6400 defines a Legal Document Assistant as a person who is qualified to prepare legal documents for a consumer who is representing themselves in a legal matter, at that consumer's specific direction.

Legal Document Assistants register with the county clerk in each county where they do business. Registration requires a bond.

What Beacon may do for you

• Prepare legal documents at your specific direction
• Provide general published factual information about legal procedures and court requirements
• Provide access to, and copies of, legal documents and forms published by the courts
• Type, assemble, copy and organise your documents
• File documents with the court and prepare service paperwork at your direction
• Provide a written contract stating the services to be performed and the price, before any work begins

What Beacon may not do for you

• Provide legal advice, a legal opinion, or a recommendation about a legal matter
• Select legal forms for you, or advise you which to use
• Explain how the law applies to your particular circumstances
• Represent you in court, appear on your behalf, or speak for you at a hearing
• Negotiate with another party or their attorney on your behalf
• Predict or guarantee the outcome of any matter
• Provide services to a person who is already represented by an attorney in the matter

Registration details

Registration number and expiration date are available on request and will be shown on your written contract before any work begins.

You are entitled to ask any Legal Document Assistant for their registration number and county of registration, and to verify it with the county clerk.

No attorney-client relationship

Working with a Legal Document Assistant does not create an attorney-client relationship. Communications with Beacon are not protected by the attorney-client privilege.

If your matter requires legal advice or representation, Beacon will tell you so and recommend that you speak with a licensed attorney.

Free and low-cost alternatives

The Shasta County Superior Court operates a self-help centre and a family law facilitator's office, which assist self-represented people at no charge. Legal Services of Northern California also serves the Redding area.

You are not required to use a paid service to prepare your own court paperwork.