What Are Self-Help Services?

Kinds of services that a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) can perform for you:
We can perform the following self-help services for you in connection with a legal matter in which you are representing yourself:

• We can type or otherwise complete, as you specifically direct, legal documents that you have selected;
• We can provide you general published factual legal information that has been written or approved by an attorney, to help you represent yourself;
• We can provide you published legal documents;
• We can file and serve legal forms and documents as you specifically direct;
• We can work in conjunction with your lawyer to provide unbundled legal services. ​

 
These are the only kinds of services that Legal Document Assistants can perform for you.  If you need additional services are needed beyond the scope of services we are able to provide, we can refer you to  an attorney.
 
Kinds of services that an Legal Document Assistants (LDAs) cannot perform for you:
LDAs cannot represent anyone in court, cannot provide advice about legal rights or the law, nor can LDAs select legal forms. Fortunately, Court websites have document packets with most commonly used legal documents free to download. Only an attorney can provide legal advice.

Services are exclusively for Pro Per litigants representing who are themselves in a legal matter and the self-help service relates to that legal matter. 
 
This firm cannot and will not engage in the practice of law.
This means that we cannot give you any kind of advice, explanation, opinion or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, strategies or options that you may have. We cannot give you any advice, explanation, opinion or recommendation regarding selection of forms.

It can be difficult deciphering what legal advice is. Clients regularly ask legal questions not understanding they are putting the LDA in a compromising position. 
Questions related to:

• What you should do;
• What your options are;
• What's legally required of you;
• What are your legal obligations;
• What are the other party's legal obligations;
• If a law/procedure is applicable to your case;
• Any explanations of your rights
• Any explanation of the law;

are considered legal advice and should be discussed with an attorney. ​

Sacramento County LDA Reg. 2020-03, Exp 08/04/2024