Question 1

What is a legal document preparation service?

Accepted Answer

A legal document preparation service helps individuals prepare legal documents accurately and completely. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice or legal representation. We prepare documents based on the information you provide so they are ready to file with the appropriate court or agency.

Question 2

What is the difference between a document preparation service and an attorney?

Accepted Answer

An attorney is a licensed professional who can give you legal advice, represent you in court, and advocate on your behalf. A document preparation service like ours prepares the paperwork for you at a much lower cost, but cannot advise you on what legal strategy to pursue or represent you in any proceeding. If you are unsure about your legal rights or the best course of action, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed California attorney.

Question 3

Do I need an attorney to use your service?

Accepted Answer

No. Many legal matters — particularly uncontested family law cases, estate planning, and straightforward civil filings — do not require an attorney. Our clients choose to handle their own legal matters and simply need help preparing the paperwork correctly. However, if your situation is complex or contested, an attorney may be advisable.

Question 4

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

Affordable Document Services has been helping California clients prepare legal documents since 2001 — over 23 years of experience. We have assisted thousands of clients across all 58 California counties.

Question 5

Are you licensed in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Legal document assistants (LDAs) in California are required to register with the county clerk in the county where they have their principal place of business and post a bond. We operate in compliance with California Business and Professions Code § 6400 et seq.

Question 6

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

It's straightforward: (1) Contact us to describe your document preparation needs. (2) We will let you know what information and documents we need from you. (3) You provide the information and we prepare your documents. (4) We deliver your completed, court-ready documents for you to review, sign, and file.

Question 7

How long does it take to prepare my documents?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the documents and how quickly you provide the required information. Simple documents can often be completed within a few business days. More complex matters such as living trusts or probate petitions may take longer. We will give you an estimated timeline when you contact us.

Question 8

Do I have to come into an office?

Accepted Answer

We serve clients throughout all 58 California counties and can work with you remotely. You can provide information and receive your completed documents without visiting an office in person.

Question 9

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

The information required depends on the type of document. For example, a divorce petition requires information about both parties, the date of marriage, assets, debts, and children. We will provide you with a clear list of what we need once you contact us about your specific situation.

Question 10

Will you file the documents for me?

Accepted Answer

We prepare your documents so they are ready to file. Filing with the court is typically done by you directly, as we are not authorized to appear on your behalf. We can guide you on where and how to file your documents.

Question 11

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge flat, affordable fees that vary by document type. We are transparent about our fees upfront — there are no hidden charges. Contact us with your specific needs and we will provide you with a clear fee quote before any work begins.

Question 12

Are there any additional costs beyond your fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Court filing fees are paid directly to the court and are separate from our document preparation fee. Filing fees vary by county and document type. We can help you understand what court fees to expect for your particular matter.

Question 13

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us to discuss payment options. We strive to make our services accessible and are happy to discuss your situation.

Question 14

Can you help with a contested divorce?

Accepted Answer

We can prepare documents for uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms including property division, support, and custody. If your divorce is contested — meaning you and your spouse disagree on major issues — we recommend consulting a family law attorney, as contested matters involve legal strategy and court appearances beyond the scope of document preparation.

Question 15

What estate planning documents can you prepare?

Accepted Answer

We prepare wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney (financial and healthcare), advance health care directives, and deeds to transfer property into a trust. Estate planning documents are an important part of protecting your family and assets.

Question 16

Can you help me expunge my criminal record?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare expungement petitions under California Penal Code § 1203.4 for eligible convictions. We can also prepare petitions to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17(b) when applicable. Eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction and whether probation was successfully completed.

Question 17

Can you help me start a business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare Articles of Organization and Operating Agreements for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation and bylaws for corporations, and partnership agreements. We can also prepare various business contracts and agreements.

Question 18

Do you handle probate matters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare probate petitions to open an estate, petitions to appoint an executor or administrator, and formal probate accountings. Probate can be a complex process — we prepare the required court documents to help you move through it.

Question 19

What is a QDRO and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a specialized court order that divides retirement accounts — such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and pension plans — between divorcing spouses. If either spouse has an employer-sponsored retirement plan, a QDRO is typically required to transfer the other spouse's share without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties. Without a properly prepared QDRO, the retirement plan administrator cannot legally divide the account.

Question 20

Why is QDRO preparation so hard to find outside of an attorney?

Accepted Answer

QDROs are more complex than most legal documents because they must satisfy requirements from two separate authorities: the divorce court and the retirement plan administrator. Each plan has its own rules and approval process. Because of this complexity, most document preparation services don't offer QDROs. Attorneys who handle them often charge premium rates. We prepare QDROs at affordable flat fees, making this critical step accessible without the high attorney cost.

Question 21

What information do I need to provide for a QDRO?

Accepted Answer

We will need information about the retirement plan (plan name, plan administrator contact, plan type), the divorce judgment or settlement agreement specifying how the retirement account is to be divided, and identifying information for both parties. We will walk you through exactly what is needed once you contact us.

Question 22

What is a living trust and why would I need one?

Accepted Answer

A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them directly to your beneficiaries after your death — without going through probate court. Probate is a public, court-supervised process that can take months or years and cost thousands of dollars in fees. A living trust keeps your estate private, speeds up the transfer of assets to your loved ones, and can significantly reduce the burden on your family.

Question 23

How is a living trust different from a will?

Accepted Answer

Both a will and a living trust direct how your assets are distributed after death, but they work differently. A will must go through probate court before assets can be transferred — a public process that takes time and money. A living trust bypasses probate entirely, allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries. A living trust also takes effect during your lifetime, allowing a successor trustee to manage your assets if you become incapacitated. We typically recommend preparing both a living trust and a "pour-over" will together for complete coverage.

Question 24

Why do attorneys charge so much for living trusts?

Accepted Answer

Attorneys often charge $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a living trust package because they provide legal advice alongside the document preparation. If your situation is straightforward, however, you may not need that level of service — you simply need the documents prepared correctly. We prepare living trust packages at affordable flat fees, giving you the same court-ready documents at a fraction of the cost.

Question 25

What is included in a living trust package?

Accepted Answer

Our living trust package typically includes the revocable living trust document itself, a pour-over will (which directs any assets not already in the trust to flow into it at death), a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance health care directive. We also provide guidance on how to fund the trust by transferring your assets into it.

Question 26

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve clients in all 58 California counties. Whether you are in Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, or anywhere else in California, we can help you prepare your legal documents.

Question 27

Do I need to be in a specific county to use your service?

Accepted Answer

No. We serve clients throughout California regardless of which county your legal matter is filed in. We can work with you remotely and prepare documents for any California court.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Service

The Process

Pricing & Fees

Specific Services

QDROs & Living Trusts

Service Area

Ready to Get Your Documents Prepared?