Legal document preparation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What legal document preparation is

A preparer fills in and organizes legal forms such as simple agreements or court paperwork from information you provide, without giving legal advice. People use this service when they know what they need and want help completing the forms correctly.

Signs you need it

  • You have court forms to complete and are unsure how to fill them in
  • You need a simple agreement written from details you already decided
  • You want your information typed and organized neatly for filing
  • You are representing yourself in a court matter and need help with paperwork
  • You need to prepare forms for a name change or similar routine filing
  • You have a template and need it completed accurately

What the pro does

  • Collect the facts and details you provide for each form
  • Fill in the forms exactly from your information
  • Check names, dates and numbers for consistency across documents
  • Organize the finished paperwork in the order the court or office asks for
  • Explain, without giving legal advice, where to sign and where to file
  • Provide copies so you can keep your own records

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number and type of forms
  • Whether information is complete when you start
  • Whether the forms are court forms or private agreements
  • How many revisions are needed
  • Turnaround time
  • Whether notarizing or copying is included
  • Whether filing assistance is offered

What a written quote should spell out

  • The documents to be prepared
  • That the service does not include legal advice
  • Number of revisions included
  • Delivery format and copies provided
  • Turnaround time

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you registered or approved to do this work in this state, if required?
  • What do you not do, such as giving legal advice?
  • Will you check that the forms are the right ones for my court?
  • How do you protect my personal information?
  • Who is responsible if a form is rejected for an error?
  • Can you recommend a lawyer if my situation needs one?

Red flags

  • A preparer who tells you which legal option to choose
  • A claim to be a lawyer when they are not
  • Requests for payment with no written scope
  • A promise that the court will accept your forms
  • Keeping your original documents

What you can do yourself

Many courts publish free forms and instructions, and self help centers can explain how to file. You can do simple paperwork yourself. Speak with a licensed attorney if you are unsure which form fits, if the case is contested or if children, property or deadlines are involved.

Licenses and permits

Document preparers are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. Some states require registration or limit what preparers may do. Check with the state bar, the courts or the state agency that regulates document preparers.

Legal document preparation questions

Can a preparer tell me which form to use?

Generally they cannot give legal advice. Ask the court clerk or a licensed attorney.

Is a preparer the same as a lawyer?

No. A lawyer provides legal advice and representation.

What if the court rejects my forms?

Ask the preparer what the agreement says about corrections.

Pro reviewers

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