Finding Your Niche As a Document Preparer Service

My path to my destiny has been a long and winding one. It was difficult to choose a career as a Legal Document Preparer (for lawyers), Virtual Paralegal and Blogger (for lawyers in good standing with state bar) and a Bankruptcy Petition Preparer, (nonlawyer bankruptcy). This required extensive research and expertise. Marriage Certificate Apostille

You may think that you are just typing legal forms. What is the difference? It is crucial to know the differences between the titles before someone decides to pursue a career as a document preparer.

Individuals who use legal forms to create them are prohibited from using certain titles in certain situations. Each title is subject to specific qualifications, which are set out in statute and by the state bar association. Each title is intended to protect the consumer and ensure that they understand who they are dealing for services.

A 3rd-degree felony could be imposed if you use the wrong term in your advertisement. It is therefore essential that websites are created with the intent to comply with all applicable Federal and State laws, regardless of where you intend to conduct business.

HOW TO USE THE TITLE of LEGAL DOCUMENT PREPAR

Some states have a title that is used for nonlawyer document-preparers of legal forms. This is called a "Legal Document Preparer". The Legal Document Preparer title informs the consumer that the Legal Document Preparer does not have the supervision of an attorney. This title is meant to let the consumer know that the individual is not a lawyer.

In some states, for example, a Legal Document Preparer must first be able to insert the information into state-approved court forms for a divorce.

The client should sign a Disclosure form from Nonlawyer. Before filling out forms, they must execute a Form 12.900(a).

A Legal Document Preparer may need to have a client intake form or questionnaire written by the client in order to complete Court-approved forms.

It is not permitted to provide legal advice or make recommendations about the best legal form for a consumer. It is considered the unauthorized practice of law (UPL)

Complete the Nonlawyer Section of any document prepared by the Legal Document Preparer.

Keep a copy for six years of any legal documents.

PARALEGAL TITLE REQUIREMENTS

The Paralegal title informs the consumer when the Paralegal title has been used that the document preparer works under the supervision of an attorney licensed to practice law in the state where the business is located. In certain states, a Paralegal title can only be used by individuals who work for lawyers. You can identify yourself as a Paralegal in many states if you are working under the supervision of an attorney.

You may need to inform your customers that you are a Legal document preparer, and not a paralegal, if you open your own business as a document preparer without the supervision of an attorney.