All the information provided through this site has been taken from self-help informational publications provided by the Court or other legal sources that are believed to be reliable. This information is general, published, factual information and should not be cited or relied upon as legal authority, nor should it be considered legal advice.
The American Bar Association in conjunction with the Model Rules of Professional Conduct require that I inform potential clients that Family Legal Document Specialists, and none of its employees or contractors are “attorneys” and not licensed to practice law in the state of Utah and therefore, cannot attend hearings on your behalf. You further understand that I cannot provide you with any legal advice or opinions concerning legal matters. The purpose of a legal document specialist is to prepare legal documents at a reduced cost and provide procedural and factual information only to clients. Should you wish to obtain legal advice; referrals to attorneys can be provided.
Any information shared with us is personal and confidential, but it is not privileged.
Concerning content and information- by entering and using this website, you are stating and agreeing; that this website cannot be held liable for any incorrect information, or for any errors or omissions of information. We believe the information is current, however, due to the constantly changing nature of law and legal information we may not become aware of those changes until after the fact, we therefore; cannot and do not guarantee or warranty its accuracy. We reserve the right to remove or change content at any time without notice.
Per Utah Supreme Court Rules of Professional Practice Rule 14-802(b)(1) Family Legal Document Specialists; are unable to provide any “representation of the interest of another person by informing, counselling, advising, assisting, advocating for or drafting documents for that person through application of the law and associated legal principles to that persons facts and circumstances.”
What is a legal document specialist? A legal document specialist (LDS) is an experienced professional who prepares legal documents for consumers at the direction of the client. In other words, a legal document specialist (LDS) is there to assist the “self-help” client handle their own legal document preparation and legal matters without the high cost of an attorney. A legal document specialist cannot provide legal advice.
What is a paralegal? The Utah Supreme Court defines a paralegal as a person, qualified through education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of an attorney, of specifically delegated substantive legal work, which work, for the most part, requires a sufficient knowledge of legal concepts that, absent such a paralegal, the attorney would perform the task.
Paralegals should at all times maintain the integrity of the legal profession and are subject to the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers licensed to practice in the State of Utah known as Rules of Professional Conduct of the Utah State Bar.
Dawn Gray provides freelance paralegal work under the direct supervision of family law attorneys per Rule 14-802(c)(1).
What is a legal document specialist? A legal document specialist (LDS) in the United States is a non-lawyer authorized to assist with the preparation of legal instruments. Unlike a paralegal, legal document assistants do not work under the supervision of an attorney.
A Legal Document Specialist has been created in response to the more strict licensing laws for attorneys in the world. The job was created by using the doctrine of pro se (for one’s own behalf), to enable someone to help another prepare a legal document.
LDS: Can set and accept fees from consumers
Can prepare legal documents for consumers at their specific direction.
Can file legal forms with the court and have them served.
Can provide consumers with legal materials, books and publications authored and/or approved by an attorney.
Does not work with or for an attorney
Since even the best legal, self-help books can be confusing and overwhelming. A legal document specialist can provide invaluable assistance with the routine legal tasks, such as typing and filing the paperwork for uncontested divorces bankruptcies, trusts and wills and many other types of legal documents.
A legal document specialist has a limited scope of services they can provide under Utah statutes. A legal document specialist is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice or represent individuals in court.