Call Us Now
(661) 230-8048
CA & AZ Offices
Book Appointment
Compare costs, services, and scenarios to determine whether a Legal Document Assistant or an attorney is right for your legal document needs
When you're facing a legal matter, one of the first questions people ask is: "Do I need an attorney?" The answer isn't always yes. For many legal document needs, a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) offers a dramatically more affordable alternative — while still providing professional, court-ready documents.
A Legal Document Assistant (in California) or Certified Legal Document Preparer (in Arizona) is a trained professional authorized to prepare legal documents at your direction. LDAs are registered, bonded, and experienced in court forms and procedures — but unlike attorneys, they do not provide legal advice.
| Service | Attorney Cost | LDA Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | $3,000 – $15,000+ | $500 – $1,500 | Up to 90% |
| Living Trust | $2,500 – $7,000 | $400 – $1,200 | Up to 85% |
| Last Will & Testament | $500 – $2,500 | $150 – $500 | Up to 80% |
| Child Custody / Parenting Plan | $2,000 – $10,000+ | $400 – $1,000 | Up to 90% |
| Name Change | $1,000 – $3,000 | $200 – $600 | Up to 80% |
| LLC / Corporation Formation | $1,500 – $5,000 | $300 – $800 | Up to 85% |
Both spouses agree on all issues. An LDA prepares all forms and the Marital Settlement Agreement.
Wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives — when you know what you want.
When parents generally agree on parenting arrangements and need proper documentation.
Answers, responses, and other civil court documents when you're representing yourself.
Routine legal document preparation where forms are standardized.
Business interests, significant investments, or hidden asset concerns require legal expertise.
Cases involving abuse, threats, or safety issues need an attorney's advocacy.
When parents fundamentally disagree on custody and parenting time, legal representation is essential.
If you're unsure about your rights, options, or what's fair, consult an attorney first.
For the vast majority of uncontested family law matters, estate planning, and routine civil filings, a Legal Document Assistant offers professional document preparation at a fraction of attorney costs. The key is knowing when your case is straightforward enough to self-represent — and when it's time to call in a lawyer.
At Legal Success, we help hundreds of clients in California and Arizona navigate their legal document needs every year — saving them thousands of dollars while ensuring their paperwork is accurate and court-ready.
Contact Legal Success for a free consultation. We'll be honest about whether we can help — and if you need an attorney, we'll tell you.
Disclaimer: Legal Success provides Legal Document Assistant (CA) and Certified Legal Document Preparer (AZ) services. We prepare legal documents at your direction but cannot provide legal advice.