A legal document preparer (LDP) is a non-lawyer professional who helps customers by filling out and preparing legal documents, such as wills, contracts, and divorce papers, at the customer's direction. They are not authorized to provide legal advice, represent customers in court, or practice law.  California's Legal Document Assistants (LDAs), operate independently after meeting specific state requirements like registration and bonding.

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Key functions:

• Guidance: 

  Direct customers to legal materials that have been published or approved by attorneys. 

• Document preparation:  Completes legal documents, including wills, powers of attorney, and uncontested divorce paperwork, based on the customer's instructions. 

• Customer-driven: Their role is to assist the "self-help" customer in handling their own legal matters without the cost of an attorney. 

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Limitations:

• No legal advice: A legal document preparer is prohibited from offering legal advice or opinions. 

• No court representation: They cannot represent customers in court or in any legal proceeding. 

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How they differ from lawyers and paralegals:

• Versus lawyers: 

  Lawyers can provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and practice law, while legal document preparers cannot. 

• Versus paralegals: 

  Paralegals work under the direct supervision of an attorney, while some LDPs can work independently after meeting state requirements.