A Certified Legal Document Preparer (CLDP) is an experienced professional authorized under Arizona law to prepare legal documents for consumers at the direction of the client. Unlike a paralegal, a CLDP doesn’t work under the supervision of an attorney. They can provide general information as it pertains to the law but cannot give legal advice, offer opinions or strategies for a client’s particular case. They can give options and provide education. So you can learn about options that are available and make your own decision as to which option is best for your situation.

The most compelling reason to employ a CLDP rather than an attorney is cost. Simply put, hiring a CLDP is considerably less expensive than hiring a lawyer. So if you need legal documents prepared, but you don’t need legal advice, you can save money by using a CLDP.

Certified Legal document preparers in Arizona must be certified by the Arizona Supreme Court. To get certified, they must successfully pass a thorough background check and a rigorous examination. They must also have at least 24 credits of law-related education and/or two years of law-related experience such as working in law firm or court system. CLDPs are required to complete continuing education hours each year, in order to stay current with legal changes, industry standards and ethics requirements.