Legal Document Preparers: An Alternative to Attorneys?

For many legal matters, especially very complex ones such as criminal cases or difficult lawsuit settlements, a good lawyer is critical. However, people who do not need the advice of an attorney but still want professional, personalized assistance preparing court documents can save money with a licensed legal document preparer. Legal document preparers are trained and approved in several states (Arizona, Florida, Washington, and California, for example) and certified by their respective state supreme courts. An experienced document preparer may write pleadings and motions, prepare most legal documents to court standards, and much more. They may guide clients who cannot afford an attorney--or simply don't want one--through the complete legal process, although they cannot give specific legal advice. Unlike an attorney, by law a legal document preparer may not strategize with a client in regard to their specific case and/or represent their client in a courtroom. But if one is able to represent oneself in court (known in legal language as being "Pro Se") they may literally save thousands of dollars with the full range of services a licensed legal document preparer can provide. In the area of Family Law, for example, a document preparer may write papers for divorce, bankruptcy, child support and child custody issues, court orders, civil litigation, paternity, grandparent rights and other matters. In Business Law they can help you form a corporation or L.L.C., register trademarks and copyrights, and more. Those involved in Civil Law cases can have documents prepared for garnishment, forcible detainers, small claims suits, justice court suits, and legal name changes. After the documents are prepared to the meet the client's needs, as well as meet the standards of the court with jurisdiction, a full service document preparation company can file, record, deliver or serve them, usually for a very reasonable price and minimal court required fees. This kind of service--especially during tough economic times--can give peace of mind when dealing with the sometimes overwhelming complexities of the court system, but without an exorbitant bill when the case is resolved. Many document preparers also provide notary services and Spanish translation. Additionally, the best companies provide paralegal support for attorneys and law firms, giving them a wealth of experience and professional contacts in the legal system, including the ability to refer a client to a skilled attorney should their case require legal advice.

Get Bankruptcy Help from a Bankruptcy Attorney

Times are tough and many people are feeling the pinch with jobs being lost, wages being cut, and generally just being in an economic rut. It is easy when you are going to through such a time to feel all alone, like you are the only person in the world going through this, but rest assured that you are not. If you have been searching for a solution but have not yet found one, you are also not alone. If Phoenix bankruptcy is truly your only option, there are people who can help. This is a path that has been walked down countless times before and there are professionals that are ready and willing to help you through this difficult time.
An Arizona bankruptcy attorney can help you understand the laws that are associated with the next steps that you have to take. Bankruptcy is not something that you should take lightly, and this is why you need to make sure that it is done right. Most people don't know how to navigate through legal waters alone and this is what your attorney is there for.
To hire an attorney you may want to contact other people that you know who have been through this process, as they may be able to recommend a reputable professional for you to work with or they may even be able to tell you who to steer clear of! If you do not know anyone or don't feel comfortable asking, you can look in your local phone books for the names and numbers of local attorneys. Most will be willing to meet with you for free for a short period of time, which will give you an idea of whether or not this is someone you can work with.
It's important to remember that Arizona bankruptcy lawyers are going to cost you money, but most of the are willing to accept monthly payments. Depending on the extent of the work they will have to do on your behalf, they may require a retainer, which is basically a deposit, which can be as much as $1,500 but then this is in your account and debited against as you go along and after this is gone you may have to make another deposit or pay monthly bills. Usually these lawyers are very understanding when you don't have a lot of cash laying around and will work with you to make their services as affordable as possible.
Bankruptcy is a stressful process, but when you are working with someone who knows the systems and can help guide you through all of the decisions, paperwork, and processes it will be a lot less stressful. In the end, the money that you will have to spend on such a lawyer will be well worth the support and guidance that you receive from them.