You might need to know the difference between paralegal services and legal document preparation if you have a legal situation. Knowing these differences will ensure that you get the appropriate services and advance through your case smoothly. The following are some key differences between the two services so that you can better understand what you need:
What Is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a professional who often works side by side with an attorney. This individual performs various tasks, such as answering calls, setting appointments, and doing intakes. A paralegal may also research court cases and complete court documents in the presence of his or her supervising attorney. Paralegals are not equipped to go into the courtroom and defend or accuse participants. Their role is mostly administrative, albeit highly involved in the legal processes. Another thing to remember about paralegals is that they can not accept any fees or perform services for the public outside of the attorney’s office and supervision realm.
What Is Legal Document Preparation?
Legal document preparation is a service that may include drafting legal documents, notarizing them, and delivering them to the appropriate courthouse or entity. A person who performs those duties may carry the title of a legal document assistant. Thus, you can trust this person to help you with materials that you may find difficult to complete independently. An example of something you may need help with is a name change document. A legal document assistant can walk you through the process or prepare the forms so that they’re correct when you submit them to the court.
Paralegal vs. Legal Document Preparer
Both legal document preparers and paralegals may have similar educational credentials. The main difference is that the document preparer can work for the general public outside of an attorney’s office or work directly for an attorney. They can charge fees for their services and help you with your name change papers, for example. A paralegal is more attached to the law firm for which he or she works and cannot do anything like that unless the task is part of the services you receive from the attorney.
Which Professional Do You Need?
You can select the best provider based on your current situation. If you’re going through a complex divorce, you may want to seek help from an attorney and his or her paralegal assistant. A legal document preparer might be the right person to go to if you have a simple legal task that doesn’t require a lawyer’s presence. Dealing with a document assistant will most likely be much less costly for you than paying an attorney. Thus, that person might be the better choice for you if your budget is a top priority. You can consult with both specialists before you commit to either one.
You can now hire a professional to help you with your legal case effectively. Consider the differences between a paralegal and someone who does legal paperwork and contact the provider who can help you the most.