What Documents Can a Legal Document Preparer Help You With?

Legal document preparation can be a daunting task for many, especially when dealing with legal matters like wills, trusts, divorce proceedings, or business formation. However, not everyone needs to hire an attorney for these tasks. Legal document preparers (LDPs) are professionals who specialize in helping individuals prepare legal documents without the need for legal representation. Their services are especially useful for people who want to handle legal processes independently, saving time and money. This article explores the various documents that a legal document preparer can help you with.

1. Wills and Trusts

One of the most common services that legal document preparers offer is the creation of wills and trusts. A will is a legal document that dictates how a person’s assets will be distributed upon their death. A trust, on the other hand, is used to manage assets during a person’s life and after their death, often to avoid probate.

Legal document preparers can assist in drafting simple wills, revocable living trusts, and other estate planning documents. While they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in a legal dispute, they ensure that the documents are properly formatted, meet legal requirements, and reflect your wishes.

2. Divorce and Family Law Documents

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally taxing process, but not all divorce cases require extensive legal intervention. For individuals who have reached an agreement with their spouse and do not have contested issues (such as custody or asset division), a legal document preparer can help with the necessary paperwork.

Some common family law documents prepared by LDPs include:

• Divorce petitions

• Child custody agreements

• Spousal support agreements

• Child support agreements

• Separation agreements

These documents must comply with state laws and the specific rules of the court. A legal document preparer can ensure that all required forms are completed accurately and filed with the appropriate court.

3. Power of Attorney Documents

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows one person to act on another person’s behalf in legal or financial matters. There are several types of powers of attorney, including:

• General Power of Attorney: Grants broad authority to the designated agent.

• Limited Power of Attorney: Grants authority for specific tasks or actions.

• Durable Power of Attorney: Remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Legal document preparers can help you draft these documents, ensuring that they comply with state-specific laws and are tailored to your specific needs. These documents can be crucial in case of illness or other situations where you are unable to handle your own affairs.

4. Business Formation Documents

If you are starting a new business, a legal document preparer can assist with the preparation of the necessary documents for business formation. These can include:

• Articles of Incorporation: Required to form a corporation.

• Operating Agreements: Used by limited liability companies (LLCs) to outline the management structure and responsibilities.

• Partnership Agreements: Legal agreements between business partners that specify the terms of their partnership.

• DBA Filings (Doing Business As): If you want to operate your business under a name different from your legal business name.

A legal document preparer can guide you through the paperwork for registering your business and ensure that you meet all the necessary legal requirements for your state or jurisdiction.

5. Contracts and Agreements

Legal document preparers can assist with drafting various contracts and agreements, which are essential in both personal and business transactions. Some of the documents they can help with include:

• Lease agreements

• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

• Employment contracts

• Sales contracts

• Service agreements

While legal document preparers can create these documents, it is important to note that they cannot provide advice on the specific terms of the agreement. They can, however, ensure that the document is legally sound and includes the appropriate clauses.

6. Bankruptcy Petitions

Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex and overwhelming process, but a legal document preparer can assist in the preparation of the necessary documents for a bankruptcy filing. They can help with forms required for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including:

• Voluntary petitions

• Schedules of assets and liabilities

• Statement of financial affairs

However, while they can prepare the paperwork, a legal document preparer cannot provide legal advice on which type of bankruptcy is best for your situation.

7. Civil Lawsuit Documents

In some civil lawsuits, individuals may choose to represent themselves in court, a process known as "pro se" representation. A legal document preparer can help by drafting the necessary documents for the lawsuit, such as:

• Complaints

• Summons

• Motions

• Responses to motions

They can also assist with filing the documents in court and keeping track of deadlines.

Conclusion

Legal document preparers play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complex world of legal paperwork. While they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court, they can ensure that your documents are correctly prepared and meet all legal requirements. Whether you need help with estate planning, family law matters, business formation, or bankruptcy, a legal document preparer can offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for handling your legal paperwork. However, for more complex cases or when legal advice is necessary, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney.