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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
Our affordable, flexible
fee schedule ensures that you receive (and pay for) only the services
you actually need. You can also manage your costs effectively through
“unbundled legal services” (also called “limited scope
representation”), utilizing the services of an attorney for advice
and strategy, and hiring a legal document assistant (LDA) to carry out
your legal tasks. Click
here for more information about unbundled services (will open a
new window).
I need your help. How do I get started?
Once you’ve decided to handle your own legal matter with Red Sky
Legal’s assistance, we will have you sign a contract and, for
most services, complete a questionnaire. We use the Legal
Document Assistant (LDA) contract required under California law,
which was written by the Department of Consumer Affairs, and is for
your protection. The questionnaire is specific to the type of document
or service you are requesting, and contains a series of questions that
will enable us to accurately and completely prepare your legal document.
You will receive a draft of your completed legal document, and our fees
include up to two revisions at no additional charge.
We encourage all new clients to thoroughly review the LDA
Client’s Bill of Rights and the Legal
Document Assistant Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
before beginning any relationship with a professional legal document
preparer.
Can you help me file and serve my papers?
Yes! Our attorney service can economically file and serve documents
anywhere in California. For rush documents, fax filing is available
for an additional fee. Courier services and digital document management
are also offered.
What is the difference between the documents
I get from you and those prepared by an attorney?
The short answer is: Nothing! Red Sky Legal utilizes the latest legal
technology, including the same software packages used in most law firms.
Now for the longer answer: When you retain the services
of an LDA, you are essentially acting as your own attorney. We cannot
draft legal arguments for you or give you specific legal advice. Please
visit our Legal Resources page for
links to free online legal reference materials. If you still have questions,
you should visit your local law
library or consult with a licensed
attorney.
What is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA)?
A Legal Document Assistant, or LDA, is an experienced professional who
is authorized under California law to prepare legal documents for consumers.
An LDA is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice or represent
a client in court. The Legal Document Assistant fills a critical role
in our judicial system, enabling individuals to represent themselves
in their own legal matters, with the help of a qualified professional
legal document preparer to ensure their papers are properly prepared,
filed and served.
LDAs are required by law to be registered and file a bond
of $25,000 in the county where they have their principal place of business.
Red Sky Legal is bonded and registered in San Diego County.
What is the difference between a Paralegal
and an LDA?
Legal Document Assistants are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “Independent
Paralegals.” California law restricts the term “Paralegal”
to those who are employed by an attorney. Paralegal services may
only be provided to a licensed attorney who directs the work and compensates
the paralegal; and it is illegal for a paralegal to advertise to
the general public, or to provide services and accept compensation from
anyone who is not a lawyer. A registered and bonded LDA is specifically
authorized to provide legal information and document preparation services
to a consumer who is representing himself or herself in a legal matter.
Unlike LDAs, paralegals are not required to be registered or licensed
by any governmental authority, and do not post a bond for the consumer’s
protection (because they are not permitted to work for consumers). Many
LDAs have a paralegal background, and some, like us, provide paralegal
services to attorneys while also providing LDA services directly to
members of the public. While LDAs are not required to participate in
continuing legal education, state law mandates that all paralegals maintain
a minimum number of continuing education credits in both general law
and ethics. Red Sky Legal’s professionals maintain compliance
with all laws pertaining to both the LDA and paralegal professions.
For more information, please see California Business &
Professions Code §
6400 and §
6450, or visit the Alliance
of Legal Document Assistant Professionals (will open a new window).
Can an LDA or Paralegal tell me how to proceed
with my case?
LDAs are prohibited from suggesting a course of action based on the
facts of the client’s specific situation, which would be the unauthorized
practice of law (UPL).
Paralegals are not permitted to provide any services or offer any advice
to members of the public. Paralegal services may only be provided under
contract with a licensed attorney.
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