What is a Legal Document Preparer (LDP)?
If you’ve ever needed to handle legal paperwork, like for a divorce, will, or name change, you probably know it can be confusing and expensive. That’s where a Florida Legal Document Preparer can help.
Legal Document Preparers (LDPs) are trained professionals who help people fill out legal forms. They are not lawyers, so they cannot give legal advice or go to court for you, but they can make sure your documents are filled out correctly and sent to the right place.
What Do Legal Document Preparers Do?
Here are some of the ways LDPs can help:
Fill out legal forms like wills, divorce papers, name change requests, and much more
Help you understand the steps and the general process to file your paperwork (but not give legal advice)
Print, mail, fax, email, e-file, and organize documents for court or government offices
Offer online and in-person notary services if your documents need to be notarized
They work with people who want to handle their legal matters on their own, which can save a lot of money if you do not need an attorney for legal advice.
What Legal Document Preparers Cannot Do
It is important to know what LDPs are not allowed to do:
They cannot tell you what to do in a legal situation or give advice
They cannot go to court for you
They cannot say they are paralegals or attorneys
Giving legal advice without being a lawyer is called the unauthorized practice of law. This is not allowed in Florida.
At Stratton Collective, we go the extra mile and ensure our Legal Document Preparers regularly take Unauthorized Practice of Law courses.
When Should You Hire a Legal Document Preparer?
You might want to work with an LDP if:
You and your spouse agree on a simple divorce and are both willing to cooperate
You need help preparing a will or power of attorney
You want to start a business and need help with the paperwork
You are changing your name or doing other court paperwork
If you already know what kind of document you need and just want help getting it done right, an LDP is a smart and affordable choice.
Summary
Legal Document Preparers make it easier and more affordable for people to handle simple legal matters. As long as you do not need legal advice, they can help you complete your documents quickly and professionally.