A Certified Legal Document Assistant (LDA) is an experienced professional authorized under California law to prepare legal documents for consumers at the direction of the client. Unlike a paralegal, a LDA 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 LDA rather than an attorney is cost. Simply put, hiring a LDA 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 LDA. LDAs are required to complete continuing education hours each year, in order to stay current with legal changes, industry standards and ethics requirements.