When to Choose a Legal Document Assistant vs. an Attorney

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LDA vs. Attorney: What's the Difference?

Preparing your documents with a Legal Document Assistant

Many California families need straightforward documents: a grant deed, a living trust, a power of attorney, or a simple probate filing. A Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA) prepares these at your direction, at a flat fee, and typically at a fraction of what attorney-prepared documents cost. Families commonly save hundreds to thousands of dollars.

An LDA is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. If your situation is contested or complex, we'll tell you plainly when an attorney is the right choice, and attorneys do important work. But if you know what you need and want it prepared correctly and filed properly, you don't need to pay for more than that.

Example: probate. Attorneys handling a probate often charge by percentage of the estate's value. California sets statutory fee percentages, so a larger estate means a larger fee, even when the paperwork is the same. We charge a flat $3,500 for simple probate, regardless of the value of the estate.

	Registered LDA (us)	Typical attorney-based service
Fee structure	Flat, published fees	Hourly, or % of estate value in probate
Recording with county	Included in our service; e-recorded within 2 business days	Varies
Remote signing	Remote online notary available	Varies
Legal advice/court representation	No	Yes

What to Look for in a Legal Document Service

When comparing legal document services in California, ask:

Is the preparer a registered LDA in your county, and are they bonded? Verify with the County Clerk-Recorder.
Do they have ongoing training in ethics and §6400 compliance? CALDA members complete certifications in Ethics, UPL, and Business & Professions Code §6400.
Is the business structured as the law requires? LDAs are regulated under §6400 and must meet its requirements. Ask how the business is structured, and don't assume every online document service qualifies.
Is recording included? Some services charge extra to record your documents or hand them back for you to take to the county. We e-record for you within 2 business days.
Is the pricing transparent? Look for published flat fees, not "starting at" prices.
Can you sign remotely? We offer remote online notarization.

Common questions, answered honestly.

Straight answers about fees, recording, signing, and what an LDA can do.

Is an LDA cheaper than an attorney?

For routine documents, usually yes. We charge flat, published fees, and you pay for document preparation rather than hourly legal representation. Savings can reach thousands of dollars on estate planning and probate.

What's different about probate pricing with an LDA?

Attorneys often take a percentage of the estate's value. We charge a flat fee, so your cost doesn't grow with the value of the estate.

Do you record the documents with the county?

Yes. We e-record all documents within 2 business days. You don't pay extra, and you don't have to go to the county yourself.

Can I sign my documents from home?

Yes. We offer remote online notary services, so you can sign from anywhere.

What certifications do your LDAs hold?

CALDA certifications in Ethics, UPL, and Business & Professions Code §6400, and in Estate Planning Document Preparation.

Can a Legal Document Assistant prepare a grant deed?

Yes. A Legal Document Assistant can prepare a grant deed at a client's direction, but cannot provide legal advice, choose legal strategies, or advise whether a grant deed is appropriate for a particular property transfer. If you need advice about transferring property, consult a qualified attorney.