What Is the Difference Between a Paralegal and a Legal Document Preparer?

Do you need some assistance with a legal matter under Nevada law? If you do, it would be best to take the time to understand the kind of experts in the field. Aside from attorneys, you’ll also find paralegals and legal document preparers. The latter two are often confused, or mistaken to mean the same thing, when in reality, they are very distinct in more ways than one.

So, you definitely want to know what sets the two apart, before you make your pick so that you seek the right services and manage your case better.

Now, with that in mind, who’s a paralegal, and who’s a legal document preparer? Is one better pick for your case than the other? Let’s find out.

Who Is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a trained professional who works under an attorney’s office in preparing for a case. They have the necessary knowledge to tackle most tasks related to legal cases, such as researching legal issues, investigating evidence, interviewing clients, and preparing various documents. A paralegal can, in some instances, work with a client directly, helping with legal documents and answering questions to do with cases.

Even so, a paralegal can’t replace a lawyer and, thus, can’t represent you as a client in a court of law, offer legal advice, or sign documents in the place of an attorney.

Who Is a Legal Document Preparer?

A legal document preparer is a certified professional legally allowed to prepare legal documents for you per your specifications. That said, legal document preparers go through the same education and training as paralegals.

Want to represent yourself in court and need help with your legal documents? A legal document preparer in Nevada is what you need. They will help you with legal papers on immigration, wills, family law, deeds, trademarks, probate, and more.

Note that a legal document preparer cannot represent you in court or offer legal advice. The most they can do is provide information regarding your case.

Many people seek out the services of a legal document preparer when the cost of an attorney is too expensive or unnecessary. After all, some civil cases do not require an attorney, and some straightforward issues during the commencement of a case can be delegated to a document preparer to save money.

So, What Sets the Two Apart?

Now, the one key difference between a paralegal and a legal document preparer is the fact that a paralegal works under a lawyer while a legal document preparer is a sort of independent entity serving clients directly. That’s why legal document preparers are commonly classified as independent paralegals.

Regarding responsibilities, a paralegal can investigate cases and interview clients and witnesses as directed by an attorney. They can also provide suggestions to the attorney.

A legal document preparer can only prepare, store, and file documents as per the client’s instructions.

Find a Reliable Legal Document Preparer in Nevada for Your Legal Matter

Do you need help with putting together legal documents? A legal document preparer can help you prepare legal papers whether you are facing family, immigration, corporate, trademark, and many other issues. The best part? Their services are much less costly for you than paying an attorney.