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📚 What's the Difference Between an LDA and a Paralegal?

Understanding the roles of legal professionals can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the key differences:

🧾 Legal Document Assistant (LDA)

What They Are:

An LDA is a non-lawyer professional authorized in California to help people prepare legal documents—but only for self-help purposes. They do not work under the supervision of an attorney and serve people who are representing themselves in legal matters (known as “pro per”).

What LDAs Can Do:

Help you complete legal forms accurately
File court documents on your behalf
Provide general, published legal information
Assist with uncontested divorce, eviction responses, wills, and other standardized legal paperwork
Operate independently (they are registered and bonded)

What LDAs Cannot Do:

LDAs must be registered in the county where they work and bonded for consumer protection.

⚖️ Paralegal

What They Are:

A paralegal is a legal professional who works under the direct supervision of an attorney. They support lawyers in preparing legal documents, performing legal research, and organizing case materials.

Key Points About Paralegals:

Still Unsure Which You Need?

If you’re representing yourself and just need help filling out legal forms, an LDA may be right for you. If you need legal advice or your case is contested, it’s important to consult with a licensed attorney. We can provide you with a list of attorneys to fit your needs.

🏠 What Is an Unlawful Detainer Assistant (UDA)?

A Unlawful Detainer Assistant (UDA) is a non-lawyer professional who helps landlords—or in some cases, tenants—with the paperwork and process of eviction cases in California. Like LDAs, UDAs are registered and bonded, but their services are focused exclusively on unlawful detainer (eviction) actions.

📌 What UDAs Can Do:

Prepare and file eviction paperwork
Serve legal notices related to an eviction (such as 3-day or 30-day notices)
Assist landlords in filing a complaint for unlawful detainer
Help tenants respond to an eviction lawsuit
Provide published legal information about eviction procedures
Operate without attorney supervision (but only provide services to self-represented individuals)

🚫 What UDAs Cannot Do:

Important: UDAs are legally required to provide a written contract outlining their services, fees, and your rights. They must also give you a “Notice to Consumer” explaining that they are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.

Who Typically Uses a UDA?

Need Help with an Eviction Case?

If you’re a landlord or tenant involved in an eviction and want help with the paperwork—but not legal advice—a UDA may be a cost-effective and efficient option.