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The Benefits and Risks of DIY Legal Drafting Services
Author Jonathan Roeder Posted on

Empower Yourself: The Benefits and Risks of DIY Legal Drafting Services

DIY projects can be a great option for small home repairs or sprucing up your home’s interior. Some online-based services are now taking that approach to allow customers to fill in the blanks on legal forms and other court documents. While it may be tempting to try and save some money by foregoing the input of a professional attorney, going the do-it-yourself route for legal paperwork may not always be a good idea.

Online do-it-yourself services for legal documents have proliferated in recent years, promising a cheaper alternative to professional legal services. However, the rise in popularity of these services has notable downsides.

The Appeal of DIY Legal Drafting Services

On the surface, the cost-savings benefits of forgoing professional legal help are appealing. Attorneys charge $200 to $500 an hour to draft and file important court documents.

Drafting your own will, for example, may seem like a simple and straightforward process. Using an online template could theoretically save you several hundred dollars or more. Plus, you won’t have to spend time finding a lawyer and setting up meetings. As you can see, DIY services offer an appealing alternative to some of the most costly legal services.

Online DIY services have also streamlined the time it takes to complete legal documents. This is possible because these generic templates are largely completed already; users simply fill in missing information as the website guides users through the process. Theoretically, the final documents serve the same purpose as any document written by an attorney or paralegal, and the templates are easy to update whenever you need to.

Limitations of DIY Legal Services

Online DIY services

Anyone who needs to draft a legal document should weigh the benefits and costs of using a DIY service. Unfortunately, there are many limitations when it comes to pre-drafted templates.

Old or Out-of-Date Templates

For example, online templates may be out of date. With the passage of new laws and statutes, the format and language of legal documents must also change. Legal professionals keep up to date on these changes, but a DIY website may not.

Risk for Error

In addition, templates carry a substantial risk for user error. The instructions provided with the template may appear clear, but any misunderstanding of the instructions could lead to faulty information input that could void the document. Worse, you won’t be able to ask questions for clarification, as online forms do not auto-review your input for accuracy. Once you click print or submit, you may be unintentionally sending an inaccurate legal document.

These mistakes may not be noticed until it is too late. If you prepared a will, this could mean that your wishes are not fully honored after your death. The probate courts would then step in to divide your estate and pay beneficiaries. Errors can invalidate certain legal documents, meaning that your DIY efforts could end up being a waste of time.

Lack of Flexibility

Preset templates do not allow for flexibility. You will not have room to customize your legal form in most cases.

Missed Deadlines

Without any legal guidance, you could miss an important filing deadline. This could mean that your spouse or former spouse gains an upper hand in court. Even if you file on time, you may accidentally file the wrong type of form because DIY services do not review your case. This is one reason why having some connection with an attorney is critical.

In any court setting, filing errors are not exceptions, and there often are no do-overs. The documents you file will likely be the source of evidence that you can use in court, and any deviation from those filings could weaken your case. This is why family law attorneys are so meticulous when drafting, revising, and proofreading court documents. In the practice of law, every word is important.

Benefits of Working With a Legal Professional

Benefits of Working With a Legal Professional

Attorneys and their trained paralegals know the law, have updated resources to research it, and have practical knowledge of how the law is applied.

Legal professionals have additional skills that DIY platforms cannot replace.

  • Strategic Communication – Lawyers understand what to say and not say in conversations with the other party. This also applies to written documents that another party could read.
  • Risk Assessment – Lawyers are skilled at identifying what should be included in a contract. This can help with risk assessment by preventing future misunderstandings that could leave their client liable for their actions.
  • Objectivity – Legal documents should be written without bias or emotional language. Anyone who does not have experience with this type of language could inadvertently include emotionally charged language that weakens the effectiveness of the document.
  • Legal Qualifications – A boilerplate document may appear simple, but those forms do not change the fact that the practice of law is complex and constantly evolving. Legal professionals are trained in the type of language used in contracts, and topics like indemnity, confidentiality, arbitration, and force majeure do not simply become less complex because a template makes them appear to be.
  • Limitations of AI – If you are relying on AI to do your legal research as you fill out your DIY document, you could be adding inaccurate or out-of-date information. AI relies on the internet for information, and AI does not have the ability to independently assess the accuracy of its data.
  • Counsel – An attorney does more than defend clients’ rights; lawyers provide counsel by giving advice and answering questions.
    Although you, as the client, ultimately have the final say on legal matters, having access to a trusted legal advisor is one of the most important services that a lawyer or law firm provides.

If you do not incorporate professional legal assistance at some point in your document drafting, you are missing out on these important qualities that only a legal professional can deliver. One way to blend the cost-savings of DIY with the practical benefits of professional legal assistance is through a hybrid approach.

The Hybrid Approach: DIY with Professional Guidance

Skilled Arizona attorneys

The best legal drafting services provide professional drafting and guidance from lawyers. These companies combine the benefits of a skilled attorney with the convenience and price point of a DIY service. You’ll receive professionally drafted documents crafted with your unique case in mind without the need to spend thousands of dollars.

Documents drafted by Draft My Legal Docs are created by skilled Arizona attorneys who will help you draft, prepare, and file your legal documents. Our online service offers more than 50 legal document options, and our staff can help you navigate your family court case with ease. The benefits are personalized legal service at an affordable rate provided by legal professionals who care about your case.

The hybrid approach combines the cost-savings of DIY with the confidence that comes from working with a team of legal professionals who understand Arizona’s family law process. You will likely require multiple document filings for your family court case. Draft My Legal Docs works to make sure that every document you file is detailed and accurate. Our thorough review will ensure that the document conforms to state statutes and laws.

Areas of family law that are covered through Draft My Legal Docs’ services include:

  • Annulment
  • Same-sex divorce
  • Legal separation
  • Order enforcement
  • Property and debt division
  • Child custody
  • Child support enforcement
  • Postnuptial agreements
  • Prenuptial agreements

Should I Just Hire an Attorney?

Hiring an attorney to represent you in court offers many benefits, but not everyone can afford an attorney throughout the court process. Some divorce and child custody cases require multiple hearings that can go on for months if not years. Even when a parent can afford an attorney early on, having dedicated legal counsel can become unaffordable months into the court process.

Draft My Legal Docs has a team of attorneys who will guide you through the court process, but they are not bound to represent you in court. This legal service allows customers to have many of the benefits of legal assistance without the high cost of paying an attorney $300 to $500 an hour to show to court.

Even when there is no active litigation, having an attorney review documents can help you catch mistakes that may cause complications or delays later on. Many Arizona parents have chosen this hybrid approach to navigate the family court process.

Which Option Is Right For Me?

If you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or another family court case, you have the option of using DIY drafting services that do not provide attorney reviews and guidance. These services have the benefit of being affordable and relatively easy to use.

Unfortunately, an online template cannot guide you through the court process. DIY legal document drafting programs do not always keep their templates up to date, meaning you could be using an outdated form that could cause legal problems. When it comes to family court cases, one error can have disastrous ramifications for your personal life. You could lose important financial assets or access to your children.

Another option is to hire an attorney to handle your legal affairs for you. However, this option is simply not affordable for many people. Attorneys charge hundreds of dollars an hour for full representation. With this option, you may also experience additional time in court.

Meanwhile, services like Draft My Legal Docs provide clients with access to legal guidance at a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney. Along with the cost savings, there is peace of mind that comes from knowing that an Arizona attorney who understands the state’s family court laws will review every document to ensure that it is admissible in court and serves your needs and goals.

Learn More About How Draft My Legal Docs Can Help You in Court

Review every document to ensure that it is admissible in court

If you rely on DIY websites to provide blank templates for your legal filings, you are taking a significant risk that may not be worth the benefits. While those online services offer convenience, you will not have access to an actual attorney when you need answers to basic questions.

Draft My Legal Docs offers a hybrid option that combines the cost savings of DIY templates with the benefits of hiring attorneys. You won’t have to pay hundreds of dollars an hour for Draft My Legal Docs, but you will be able to trust that an attorney will review your documents and provide recommendations on which forms you may need to fill out for future court hearings. With so much on the line, those extra services can help you navigate the family court system with confidence.

To learn more about how Draft My Legal Docs can serve you, schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

  1. Average Attorney Fees by State [Updated September 2022]. (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/average-attorney-fees-by-state
Affordable Family Law Services in AZ
Author Jonathan Roeder Posted on

Affordable Family Law Services in AZ

When a legal dispute arises regarding a family matter like divorce, separation, alimony, or grandparents’ rights, you’ll likely consider hiring a family lawyer to assist you. However, some individuals forgo seeking help due to financial concerns. While many may believe navigating a family law matter on their own can save them money, the opposite is actually more likely to occur. Family lawyers are trained and experienced in building solid cases to earn compensation for their clients, as well as protect their rights when faced with opposition.

We would like to outline some money-saving tips for hiring a family lawyer to defend you, but we also want you to consider working with our team. Draft My Legal Docs provides Arizonans with a vast array of legal documents necessary to address family law situations, all available with expedited turnaround times. Not only can we provide you with excellent solutions for your family dispute, but we can do so while saving you money.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in AZ

First, it’s important to reiterate that no family law firm is exactly the same as the next, meaning they’ll all charge different amounts for their services. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find a family lawyer for an affordable price.

On average, a family lawyer can cost about $250 per hour. However, lawyers may charge up to $600 per hour in some cases. The amount charged can change depending on your scenario and how long your case will take to complete. For instance, if you’re looking for services for a very straightforward case, a lawyer may only charge $250 per hour, and if they’re only needed for a few hours, you may not even spend a full $1,000. However, if you need full representation for a family dispute that lasts several months and requires the collection of evidence, interviewing witnesses, financial disclosures, and more, expect to pay quite a bit more.

This may sound unappealing, and we understand why many feel this way. However, the peace of mind and full services, plus secure protection and safety down the line, may be what you need to proceed with confidence. Family lawyers can be pricey, but if you research your options and determine exactly what you need help with, this might present long-term benefits for you and your family.

Can I Seek Legal Advice for Free?

You might wonder how to get free legal advice in Arizona, and while this is technically possible, the advice and experience a lawyer can provide are much more beneficial. That said, you can contact certain organizations and browse the free legal services they provide. It’s important to remember that these are indeed free, so while they may prove helpful, a lawyer can address more precise details of your case that free services may not cover.

Can I Seek Legal Advice for Free

What Is the Average Cost of Divorce in Arizona?

Divorce is by far the most common family law matter in Arizona. As with any family lawyer, there is no set amount of how much they will charge for their services.

There are multiple factors that can influence the final cost of both a divorce and the legal fees, including, but not limited to:

  • How many children the couple has
  • Business interests, debt, and properties
  • Significant assets such as retirement funds and bank accounts
  • Litigation

Still, the average cost of a divorce in Arizona totals around $20,000 per spouse, and if your case proceeds to litigation, the total can exceed $40,000. If this seems unattainable to you and you’re wondering, “What is the cheapest divorce in Arizona?” know you can spend as little as $620 on divorce without legal assistance. However, while this may sound enticing to some couples due to the significantly lower price, attempting to go through a divorce without any legal support is both challenging and risky. DIY divorces are incredibly rare in Arizona, and some couples who go through the process this way may not end up with the most favorable results after the divorce is finalized.

Overall, the longer the amount of time it takes to get through your divorce, the more you may have to spend on legal fees. However, it’s crucial to consider legal representation and services so you don’t put yourself at any unnecessary risk.

How To Keep Your Divorce Costs Down

Divorce is likely an emotionally challenging and stressful time for you and your family. It’s understandable why many people wish to keep divorce lawyer costs as low as possible as they heal from this situation. Perhaps even more importantly, keeping costs low may prevent financial strain down the line.

How To Keep Your Divorce Costs Down

The most efficient way to prevent your divorce costs from rising is to refrain from engaging in unnecessary arguments with your partner. For example, rather than arguing over who owns each possession, leave it to your lawyer to investigate the situation and make the decision according to Arizona’s community property laws. Even better, consider engaging in mediation to solve these issues before litigation becomes necessary. Otherwise, undecided issues must be brought forth to a judge, which can be expensive and unnecessary. ‘

Finally, it’s imperative you are honest and open with your lawyer. Their goal is to help you maintain as many of your rights as possible through this process. Make sure you are forthcoming with all information to make the process go quickly and smoothly.

The Best Tip for Reducing Family Law Fees

While there are strategies you can keep in mind that help reduce your family lawyer costs, there’s one in particular that can benefit you the most: this involves reaching out to the skilled attorneys at Draft My Legal Docs for legal document drafting.

We know how confusing and detail-oriented legal issues can be, but you don’t need to navigate them alone, even if you don’t want to spend money on a full-service attorney. While legal documents can be roadblocks in your case if you complete them inaccurately or fail to file them on time, hiring a legal document service like Draft My Legal Docs can ensure you don’t negatively affect the outcome of your case. Rather than risk losing property or a reduction in child custody due to a miscommunication or documentation error, allow us to help you be successful in the family courtroom.

The legal system in Arizona can only run efficiently with precisely crafted, accurately filed legal documents. Whether these are the initial claims you’re filing for child custody or documents needed to access evidence, we have everything you need to navigate your family matter with ease.

How Does This Work

When you contact the fully licensed attorneys at Draft My Legal Docs, we’ll send you a questionnaire so we can develop a picture of the nature of your case. You’ll tell us about your family law situation, whether it’s divorce, alimony, child custody, or other related matters. After we’ve heard what we need from you, we’ll send you the appropriate documents to fill out prior to your court appearance. However, you won’t be filling these out by yourself; our licensed attorneys, who are well-versed in family law, will instead draft all the documents you need.

Filling out questionnaire

Regardless of whether you have concerns about how to answer the questions on a particular document or simply need help keeping your forms accurate, we can assist you via phone call, email, or through our online chat service. You also have the option to update your document, so if something needs changing, a qualified attorney can address your concern.

How Does This Save Money?

When you submit inaccurate paperwork to the court for review, this can negatively affect the final outcome of your case. For instance, if you and your ex-spouse are attempting to resolve an alimony dispute, you must submit comprehensive information to the court, including extensive financial documentation, as this is necessary to determine how alimony is calculated. Mistakes in these types of documents can result in misunderstandings, misrepresentation, and more, and can cost you a great deal of alimony.

You may not understand how to draft your own legal documents, but that’s why we are so passionate about helping Arizona family law clients from all walks of life. Every legal scenario is unique, and if you don’t fully understand what’s required from you when filing a claim, you should seek legal support immediately.


Without help from Draft My Legal Docs, you risk incomplete, inaccurate, or even wrongful documents, as well as missed deadlines and additional court costs. Rather than take this gamble, work with our team at Draft My Legal Docs so we can help you achieve a positive outcome for your case.

Draft My Legal Docs: Affordable Document Services in AZ

Draft My Legal Docs Building
Whether you’re disputing alimony, paternity, relocation, property division, child custody, or divorce, you need a qualified lawyer who can defend your rights in court or a substantial knowledge of the Arizona family court system. If you decide to approach your family law case without an attorney, you need timely and precise paperwork that fully illustrates your situation, as this will be used by the court to reach a decision.

Draft My Legal Docs is a 24/7 document drafting service that enables licensed attorneys to examine your situation and craft high-quality documentation that you can use to support your claim. Arizona is known for having a challenging legal system with several hurdles to clear, but we want to streamline this process for you. To learn more about what we do, how we can help you improve your case, and how we can help you save money on your family court case, contact us today.

Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference
Author Jonathan Roeder Posted on

Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference Legal Docs

If you are involved in a family court case, particularly a divorce or legal separation, you will likely be required to attend a Resolution Management Conference (RMC). In some cases, a family will request this hearing be scheduled in order to discuss and resolve issues. In others, the conference will determine that issues are unresolvable and that the case will require a judgment from a subsequent trial.

To request that the court schedule an RMC, participants must file a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference. However, virtually every family law case will automatically require the scheduling of an RMC to establish the judge’s familiarity with the case and determine the subsequent needs.

The Purpose of a Resolution Management Conference

A Resolution Management Conference aims for an amicable and efficient outcome for the case with the purpose of achieving the following goals: 

  • Inform the judge of the details and circumstances of the case with regard to both sides.
  • Facilitate communication between both sides and their lawyers to allow for negotiation, compromise, and agreement on important issues.
  • Explore options like mediation or other alternatives to resolve remaining issues and avoid a trial if possible.
  • Establish the need for a trial if all other alternative resolution methods are deemed ineffective.

How to Prepare for a Motion to Set RMC

The most important thing anyone can do upon filing for a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference is to ensure your documents are filed as accurately as possible to represent your situation, the details of your case, and the factors involved in any disputes between you and the other party. The more accurate the information you provide, the more information can be considered by the judge, who will ultimately be determining the direction of your case and making a ruling.

Without proper documentation of the details of your case, the judge will not be properly informed of your unique position in the case or the information regarding your position, and thus, the hearing will have little merit. Consider that properly drafted documents can ensure that the RMC takes place as needed, but well-drafted documents can positively affect the outcome of an RMC hearing. Honest and well-presented documents can not only serve to meet the needs of your case as a whole but also your individual needs for the final outcome of your hearing.

AZ Legal Framework for Filing a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conferences

The straightforward rules that govern Arizona family law motion practice filing, such as a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference, begin with Rule 91. This rule specifically verifies that any family law case is subject to the scheduling of an RMC by the court. It also states that any party may request one of these hearings by filing a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference.

AZ Legal Framework for Filing a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conferences

Filing a motion requires specific requirements to be met, including filing a written Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference that includes the individual’s legal and jurisdictional basis for filing the request. The motion must also specify the reason for the hearing, such as the issues that need to be discussed.

Secondly, the party filing the motion, also called the moving party, must serve notice to all other parties involved in the case either by mail, approved electronic delivery, or hand delivery. This notifies the other parties that a motion was made, and they are now involved in the case. This notice also allows the opposing party an opportunity to respond to the motion, so long as it is within the appropriate time frame set forth in the motion notice. If objections are raised, the court will address these in a separate hearing.

When the court receives the Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference, the RMC will be set for a date within 30 days. When resolutions regarding various areas are not made in the RMC, an evidentiary hearing will be scheduled to facilitate the resolution of the disputed issues.

Key Considerations When Filing a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference

When preparing for and presenting a Motion to Set Resolution Management Conference, there are some important elements that must be considered. First, when filing the motion, the timeframe of the case should be considered because the motion must indicate the date the case will be ready for trial. The names and contact information of the parties and their attorneys should also be listed precisely. Next, an estimate of the time the trial will take should also be included, along with whether or not the case involves custody, which would entitle the case to preference for trial status.

Potential for Meet and Confer Requirements

Often, the court will require the parties involved in a Resolution Management Conference to participate in a session known as a “Meet and Confer.” This meeting enables the involved parties, their attorneys, or both to gather and discuss various details of the case ahead of the Resolution Management Conference. The intent is to attempt to settle at least some of the issues concerning the hearing in advance.

Early Resolution Conference

When neither party is represented by an attorney, a judge will see a need for an Early Resolution Conference that will be scheduled within one month. This allows the judge to gain important insight into a case much earlier. The court will set this date and require the parties to meet with a mediator to determine whether any issues can be settled before the Resolution Management Conference.

Temporary Orders

There are frequent instances in Arizona family court, specifically in divorce cases, when court orders are needed, but case rulings are not yet finalized by a judge. During the time leading up to a divorce hearing and final judgment, there may be a need for temporary orders regarding matters like child custody, child support, spousal support, and other areas. Once a motion for the requested order is made, an RMC will be scheduled to inform the judge of the situation.

In order to get an RMC scheduled, you must file the appropriate motion associated with the order you’re requesting.

The various motions that must be filed to request temporary orders be granted, along with any documents that must accompany them, are listed below. 

  • Motions for Pre-Decree Decision-Making and Parenting Time – Must include a proposed parenting plan stating decision-making parameters and visitation time for both parties
  • Motions for Pre-Decree for Child Support Orders – Must include the completed Child Support Worksheet with the amount of support requested and an Affidavit of Financial Information as required by law in Rule 97 (Form 2)
  • Motions for Pre-Decree for Spousal Maintenance – Must include specific amounts and duration requested, as well as an Affidavit of Financial Information according to Form 2 found under Rule 97
  • Motions for Pre-Decree for Property, Debt, and Attorney Fees Orders – Must state the reason for specific relief, proposed exclusion of a party from a residence, division of community property, or payment of debts, expenses, or attorney fees (must state specific fee amounts and include Affidavit of Financial Information), as well as specific amounts of income and assets each party should receive if granted

Accurate documents that are properly prepared can make a significant impact on your case. If you need Arizona family law motion document help, Draft My Legal Docs is a powerful resource operated by respected Arizona family law attorneys.

What to Expect at a Resolution Management Conference

Once you have a scheduled date on the court docket for your RMC, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, it is imperative that you plan to attend the RMC, or your side of the case may be discounted in the final ruling. Likewise, if the other party does not appear, it can be harmful to their case. Thus, it is important all involved participants be in attendance, as well as both sides’ legal representatives, if you have them.

RMC Memorandum

You will be required to submit an RMC Memorandum. This document briefs the judge on the details of your case. Both sides must submit this memorandum so that the judge can gather insight into the entire picture of the case, including both sides of the story. It is important that this document is drafted carefully and created to be an all-encompassing overview that contains any and all relevant information to your case.

RMC Memorandum

A petition for divorce doesn’t include the intricacies of a family’s situation, so the judge needs more of the story to accurately preside over your RMC. The Memorandum provides this by informing the judge about both parties’ circumstances, status, minor children involved, and any issues, whether agreed upon or still unresolved. It should contain any pertinent information related to child custody, child support, division of property, or spousal support. However, it’s important to note that the RMC is non-evidentiary, so there is no need to include exhibits, evidence, or testimony – it should just present the facts of the case.

The Outcome of an RMC

The judge will ultimately use the information gained throughout the RMC process not to make any rulings or judgments on the case but merely to determine whether the case requires a trial, if it qualifies for a Settlement Conference, or if it needs another form of hearing to better serve the needs of the case. For instance, if there are unresolved issues regarding a parenting plan or visitation schedules, the judge may schedule a Parenting Conference to resolve these types of disputes. However, if there are issues that have been agreed on by both parties and submitted to the judge via the RMC, the terms of these agreements become legally binding for both spouses at this hearing.

The Importance of the RMC

It can be useful to think of an RMC as an interview at a staffing company and the Memorandum as a resume submitted prior to that interview. The resume informs the hiring manager of all the background and details of your history regarding your employment, just as the Memorandum informs the judge of the history regarding your family. If you were interviewing for a job placement, you would want to make a good impression and present yourself as honestly and positively as possible. This should also be your intention when attending your RMC.

Making an honest and accurate impression should be your primary goal throughout your RMC. Just as a staffing agency would take all the data, perspective, and influence from the interview obtained by the interviewer to properly place you in a job that suits your specific qualifications, a judge directs your case to properly meet your needs within the scope of Arizona family laws.

How an RMC Can Affect Your Case

An RMC can be leveraged as a powerful tool in family court and thus should not be taken lightly. It should be used to shape the judge’s perspective and opinion of your case. When your RMC documents are well-crafted and drafted by a legal professional, it can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Draft My Legal Docs can help you make a positive impression at your RMC, which can greatly impact the subsequent proceedings of your Arizona family law case, as well as assist in the preparation of related documents required for various motion requests. For help creating accurate RMC documents, contact Draft My Legal Docs.

Resources :

Legal Document Drafting Services
Author Jonathan Roeder Posted on

Legal Document Services Vs. Paralegals

Filing any legal documents can be stressful without the right guidance. Many people tend to think that the only way to begin a legal case requires help from an attorney or paralegal. However, using a document filing service can help simplify, expedite, and file your documents just as well as a paralegal can, if not better.

What Is a Legal Document Preparation Service?

A legal document preparation service is an organization that helps individuals understand and file different kinds of legal documents. The Arizona Supreme Court authorizes only Certified Legal Document Preparers to offer services to the general public.

Without this accreditation, a legal document preparation service that drafts legal documents for a person or a business without the guidance of an attorney is practicing law without a license. The only objective of the Arizona Supreme Court’s certification and oversight of the people and businesses creating legal documents is to safeguard the public.

For example, if you want to file for a divorce but need help figuring out the process, you may need to seek assistance with your filing. By contacting a legal document preparation service, you can get the necessary help you need for filing your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the added legal oversight provided by certified legal professionals.

An attorney is not legally necessary for filing these petitions, but the added guidance from a legal document preparation service can help you feel secure in the legal legitimacy of your documents.

Legal Document Services

Legal Document Services

Typically, document preparation services in Arizona work within family law matters. Family law consists of issues between individuals in a relationship with one another, either by blood or marriage. These matters often involve changing relationships or marital statuses, but all involve familial relationships.

Depending on the situation, certain documents must be filed to accomplish one of these relationship changes.

Some of the most common document filings related to family law include:

Divorce Filings

The decision to file for divorce is rarely easy, but sometimes, it can be necessary. The first step in getting a divorce begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. These filings are submitted by a petitioner, and to proceed, the respondent (the other spouse) must be notified of the filing.

If all issues in the case are agreed upon by both parties, the case may move forward once the parties file a consent decree. The filing party may request a default judgment if the Petition was submitted, served to the opposing party, and no response has been submitted in the given time frame.

For covenant marriages, this process can be a bit more complicated as supplemental information and directives are required to continue the divorce. When seeking a divorce, a petitioner in a covenant marriage must prove the other party committed an act that disrupted the marriage, such as adultery, and that marriage counseling efforts have not resolved that dispute. From there, the Petition and evidence can be submitted and the proceedings can continue.

Suggested Reading: Arizona Divorce Guide

Custody Filings

To create a plan for child custody, known as legal decision-making and parenting time in Arizona, parents must file an extensive list of legal documents that outline their custody plans. The Sensitive Data Cover Form with Children, summons, Affidavit Regarding Minor Children, Order and Notification to Attend Parenting Education or Information Classes, and a Parenting Plan should all be completed by divorcing and unmarried parents, respectively.

Creating a unique parenting plan for your particular situation is recommended, allowing parents to create a visitation schedule that suits their needs and the needs of their child. Parents who are divorcing should also fill out a Notice of Your Rights Regarding Health Insurance Coverage, a Preliminary Injunction, a Notice Regarding Creditors, a Petition for Dissolution of a Non-Covenant Marriage with Minor Children, and a Petition for Legal Separation with Minor Children.

Requests for Child Support

Before beginning the process of filing for child support, parents must confirm paternity and compile documents first. The second parent’s name, Social Security number, birth certificates for each child, and, if available, their most recent employer must also be provided.

Any children mentioned on the application should have as much documentation as possible. Birth records, copies of paternity orders, copies of support orders from the past or present, a list of payments given to you personally, and adoption documents are all relevant and should be included.

If you have ever married, you must present copies of any marriage certificates or any divorce judgments you have regarding any marriages. Once all the necessary identification information is collected, you can fill out an application for Title IV-D Child Support Assistance.

The documentation you collect about you, your co-parent, and your child or children are necessary for these filings. You must fill out a separate sheet for every individual child with your application for assistance if you are requesting benefits for multiple children who share the same father. Once completed, this information can be sent to Arizona Child Support Services.

Suggested Reading: Ways to Avoid a Child’s Split Loyalty

Order Modifications

For some custody or support situations, modifying a pre-existing order is necessary to make the situation sustainable. When parents desire to change legal decision-making and parenting time, they can file a Petition to Change Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time arrangements set by the court and Child Support systems.

According to Arizona law, even if neither parent requests a change in child support, family courts must readjust it whenever the current parenting time situation is altered. However, being proactive about updating these orders by submitting your order modifications is the best way to efficiently get these orders changed.

Name Changes

Name changes can be initiated for several reasons, ranging from divorce to a requested identity change. As an adult, the necessary forms to complete to apply for a name change include an Order of Name Change, a Petition for Change of Name (also known as an Application for Change of Name), and a Notice of Hearing Regarding an Application for Change of Name.

If the court believes that a name change would impact the rights of someone else, such as a debtor or the co-parent of a shared child, it may not be permitted. It is critical to understand that even after changing your name, you remain the same person. You will just go by a different name, but you will still be subject to the same legal duties and obligations.

Differences Between a Paralegal and a Document Handling Service

Attorney reviewing legal paperwork

Under the direction of a lawyer, paralegals may assist with document preparation, filing, organizing evidence and documentation for review by an attorney, and synthesizing reports for trial preparation. They may also aid in fostering interactions with clients, witnesses, attorneys, and other parties associated with a case.

One of the most important things to keep in mind while hiring and working with a paralegal is that they must be supervised by lawyer during all stages of their work. In addition, paralegals cannot give you legal advice; only an attorney is qualified to do so.

Legal document preparers are specially qualified to assist you in appropriately filling out and filing your legal paperwork without the oversight of an attorney, though some may be attorneys themselves. In this capacity, they are unable to provide you with legal counsel or act as your advocate in court.

A legal document preparation service can help you with a variety of legal issues, including divorce filing, changing child support obligations, and more. Your document preparer will be aware of their limitations due to their training and will, if necessary, recommend you to an experienced attorney.

Should I Hire a Paralegal for Divorce?

Legally speaking, you do not need to have a paralegal or lawyer assist you with the divorce process. Every situation is different, and understanding what makes a document preparation service different from hiring a paralegal is essential to decide what route is best for you.

Some of the benefits that come from hiring a legal document service include the following:

Cost Efficiency

Lawyers, and by extension paralegals, are all paid by the hour. This means that the longer it takes for them to analyze your situation and help you file your documents, the more you end up paying for their services. Document filing services can help streamline this process, which can help save you money long-term.

Accuracy of Filings

Trying to navigate your filings alone can lead to glaring mistakes that get your information either dismissed or completely thrown out. Hiring a legal document service is best for making sure that you accurately represent your claims to the court, as they can ensure your filings are reviewed by legal professionals before they are officially submitted.

Easy Navigation of the Process

Ease of filing goes hand in hand with the accuracy of your filings. One of the reasons filing these documents can be so stressful is how tricky they are to navigate. With help from an expert legal document filing service, you can be sure that any minor missteps or mistakes are properly addressed before they are finally submitted.

Convenience

For those that need to handle multiple document filings for the same cause or those who want to accomplish multiple different legal tasks, a legal document filing service can assist you with multiple orders at once. This can further streamline the filing process. By contrast, if you choose to work with a paralegal to manage multiple filings, the price for these services could become hard to manage.

Suggested Reading: Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce

 

Disadvantages to Document Filing Services

The only disadvantage of choosing a document preparer instead of a lawyer is that their services are limited to document preparation, case handling, and case management. In this regard, you may require legal assistance if your filing is complex or has special problems. A legal document preparer is expressly prohibited from providing legal advice or responding to inquiries regarding your legal options. A legal document preparer is unable to act as your legal representative in court.

While a paralegal may provide you with the quick help of a lawyer, they are also limited in their abilities. Document filing services are much more straightforward, cost-effective, and user-friendly compared to hiring a paralegal. In situations where more legal help is needed, a legal document preparer can refer you to a lawyer to help resolve your issue.

File Your Family Law Documents with Draft My Legal Docs

File Your Family Law Documents

Filing legal documents requires attention to detail, comprehensive information gathering, and an understanding of how these filings work. Fortunately, legal document services can help guide you through the filing process, taking some of the stress that comes with these decisions off of your shoulders.

At Draft My Legal Docs, we can help you put together and submit your legal filings, ensuring that they are legally sound before they get sent out. For more information on our services, contact us today.

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