Choosing an LDA

Ten Reasons To Consider A Legal Document Assistant

1. It costs less.
When both spouses work with one Legal Document Assistant (LDA), they can share the cost, often as little as $1,800. In contrast, retaining separate attorneys usually means paying $3,000 to $5,000 each just to get started, typically covering only about 5 hours of time. For a deeper look into the costs of litigation, watch the Netflix documentary Divorce Corp.

2. You stay in control.
When you work with a Legal Document Assistant, you remain in charge of the process. You decide when to start, what documents to file, and how to approach each step of your case. There is no pressure from attorneys or the court system to move faster than you are ready for. You get to move at your own pace with professional support along the way.

3. Paperwork is done for you.
Many people try to handle their divorce themselves, only to get overwhelmed by the forms and legal language. An experienced LDA prepares all your paperwork accurately and efficiently based on the information you provide.

4. Easier on the children.
The most damaging part of a divorce for children is parental conflict. Choosing a cooperative approach shows your children that you are working together to make responsible, adult decisions without placing them in the middle.

5. Easier on you.
How your marriage ends can shape how you begin your next chapter. With an LDA helping both parties communicate respectfully, it becomes easier to heal and move forward without turning pain into an expensive legal battle.

6. You can still go to court.
Using a Legal Document Assistant does not waive your right to go to court. If you are unsatisfied with document services, you can pause at any time, retain an attorney, and pursue litigation. What has occurred in document preparation will not affect your court case.

7. Legal information is encouraged.
While LDAs do not give legal advice, each spouse is encouraged to consult with an attorney, especially before signing a Marital Settlement Agreement. This helps ensure informed decisions and peace of mind.

8. Emotions can be managed.
Divorce can stir up many emotions. On your own, communication can easily spiral into blame or frustration. A skilled LDA trained in conflict resolution can help acknowledge emotions without letting them derail progress.

9. It is confidential.
All discussions in private document preparation remain confidential. This creates a safe space to explore ideas, suggest solutions, and think creatively without pressure or fear of judgment.

10. It builds on the positive.
A cooperative process encourages recognizing the positive in the other person and finding common ground. In contrast, litigation often forces each side to highlight the worst in the other. If you will continue to co-parent or interact, preserving goodwill matters.

 Picking a Legal Document Assistant

When choosing an LDA, be sure to ask if they are registered and what their background is in family law. Some individuals adopt the title without formal education or certification. A truly qualified LDA will have training, legal coursework, and may hold certifications such as an American Bar Association Accredited Degree or relevant paralegal credentials.

A Legal Document Assistant is not the only alternative to a difficult divorce, but it is one worth serious consideration. Make a list of pros and cons for your unique situation. The ten to fifteen minutes you spend exploring this option could save you months of stress and thousands of dollars.