Legal Document Assistant in Redding, CA
A Legal Document Assistant is a California-registered role, defined in Business and Professions Code section 6400. An LDA prepares legal documents for people who are representing themselves — at those people's direction, and without giving legal advice.
That last part is not fine print. It is the entire definition of the job, and it is the reason this page exists rather than being buried in a footer.
I am not an attorney. I can only provide self-help services at your specific direction.
Who this helps
You are representing yourself
An LDA can only work with self-represented people. If you have an attorney on the matter, that attorney's office handles the documents.
You know what you want to do
You have made the decision. You need the paperwork that carries it out to be correct, complete and accepted by the court.
You want to know the limits before you pay anyone
Any LDA who offers to tell you what to file, what to ask for, or what you are entitled to is operating outside the role. Knowing that protects you.
Documents Beacon may prepare
Prepared at your specific direction. Availability depends on your matter — ask at the consultation.
- Any of the court and legal documents listed across Beacon's service pages, prepared at your direction
- A written contract for services, which California requires an LDA to provide before work begins
- Copies of everything prepared for you, for your own records
What to bring
Bringing these to the first appointment usually means the matter can start the same week.
- Photo identification
- A clear idea of what you want to accomplish
- Any paperwork already received or filed on the matter
- Questions about the process — procedural questions are always fair to ask
How the process works
- 1
Understand the role first
Beacon will explain what an LDA can and cannot do before taking any information about your matter. If it turns out you need advice, you will hear that up front.
- 2
Written contract
California requires an LDA to give you a written contract stating the services and the price before starting. You get one.
- 3
Documents prepared at your direction
You direct what goes in the documents. Beacon prepares them accurately and completely.
- 4
Filing and follow-through
Filing, copies and service paperwork handled at your direction, so you are not left holding a folder and a list of instructions.
What Beacon can and cannot do here
Stated plainly, on every page. If any document service is vague about this, that is worth noticing.
What Beacon can do
Prepare legal documents at your specific direction
Provide general published factual information about court procedures
Provide access to and copies of published legal documents and forms
File and serve documents at your direction
Give you a written contract stating services and price before beginning
What Beacon cannot do
Provide any kind of legal advice, opinion or recommendation
Select forms or a course of action for you
Explain how the law applies to your circumstances
Appear in court on your behalf or speak for you at a hearing
Accept a matter where you are already represented by an attorney
I am not an attorney. I can only provide self-help services at your specific direction.
Questions
Still unsure? Call or text (530) 932-2334 and ask. Procedural questions are always fair to ask.
What is a Legal Document Assistant in California?
A Legal Document Assistant is defined in California Business and Professions Code section 6400 as a person qualified to prepare legal documents for consumers representing themselves in a legal matter, at those consumers' specific direction. LDAs register with the county clerk in the county where they do business.
Is an LDA the same thing as a paralegal?
No. In California a paralegal works under the supervision of an attorney and cannot provide services directly to the public. A Legal Document Assistant works directly with self-represented members of the public, and cannot give legal advice.
Can an LDA tell me which form I need?
No. Choosing a form is a legal decision, and selecting one for you would be legal advice. An LDA can provide access to published forms and general procedural information, and prepare the documents you direct.
Why does the disclosure appear on every page of this site?
California requires a Legal Document Assistant's advertising to state that they are not an attorney and can only provide self-help services at the client's specific direction. It appears throughout this site because it is accurate and because you should not have to hunt for it.
What should I do if I actually need legal advice?
Speak with a licensed attorney. Beacon will say so directly if your matter looks like it needs advice or representation rather than document preparation. The Shasta County Superior Court also operates a self-help center and a family law facilitator's office.
Related services
Ready to get your what a legal document assistant does paperwork done?
Call or text (530) 932-2334 for a free 30-minute consultation. You will get a straight answer about whether this is document preparation or something that needs an attorney.
I am not an attorney. I can only provide self-help services at your specific direction.