We Prepare, file, And Serve Legal Documents Such as: Eviction, Probate, Living Trust, And More.
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A Paralegal is someone who works under the supervision of an attorney and cannot be directly contracted by the public. A Legal Document Assistant (LDA), however, is registered and bonded and can be contracted directly by clients to prepare child custody paperwork and related legal documents at the client’s direction. LDAs undergo special training and continuing education to provide reliable document preparation services.
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An LDA is a non-attorney professional who prepares legal documents that you specifically direct them to prepare. For child custody matters, an LDA can prepare custody petitions, parenting plans, custody agreements, visitation schedules, and child support documentation - all tailored to your situation and ready for filing with your local court.
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Legal Document Assistants can prepare your custody documents without attorney supervision, but cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. If your child custody matter becomes complex or requires representation, we can refer you to an attorney. Neither an LDA nor a paralegal acts as your lawyer.
Start NowPhysical custody determines where your child lives and who provides day-to-day care. It can be joint (shared) or sole. Courts focus on the child’s best interests, considering factors such as stability, safety, and each parent’s ability to care for the child.
Legal custody refers to decision-making authority about important aspects of your child’s life - like education, health care, and religion. Parents can share legal custody or one parent may have sole legal authority depending on the situation.
Child support is a financial obligation one parent pays to help meet the child’s needs. Support is generally calculated according to state guidelines based on income and time spent with the child. Custody agreements often include child support terms.
Choose the service you need, complete the easy online intake form, and submit payment to get started. Once the intake form is submitted, all documents are hand prepared by a Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). The documents are e-signed and returned to us for filing. Registered Legal Document Assistants prepare all necessary legal documents.
We strive to provide a streamlined process to our clients to fulfill all their legal document preparation needs in a quick and efficient manner.
Price Includes Notarized Marriage Stipulation Agreement, If Applicable, For An Uncontested Divorce.
Navigating child custody - whether during divorce, separation, or as a standalone case - can be stressful. The court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child. This often includes evaluating factors like the child’s age, emotional and physical needs, parental stability, and parent-child relationships. Parents may come to a mutual agreement outside court; if not, custody matters may proceed through mediation or be decided by a judge.
Begin your custody case by filing a custody petition with your local family court.
The other parent must be formally served with custody papers.
The other parent has a limited time to respond.
Financial and caretaking information may be exchanged.
Parties may reach a parenting plan or go to mediation.
If no agreement is reached, a judge decides custody.
Uncontested Custody - Both parents agree to terms. Typically faster, less expensive, and can be finalized once the court approves the parenting plan.
Contested Custody- Parents disagree on terms. Requires more documentation, possibly mediation, and may involve court hearings.
Understanding these differences helps you prepare your case and expectations.
Custody laws vary by state. In California, the court considers the best interests of the child in every decision, including physical living arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental decision-making authority. You must file in the state/county with proper jurisdiction. If your case crosses state lines, special rules like the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) may apply.
An LDA helps prepare your custody forms and agreements per your instructions. This includes petitions, custody schedules, support worksheets, and mediation documents. While LDAs don’t provide legal advice, they ensure your documents comply with court rules and filing requirements.
Custody outcomes hinge on clear, well-organized paperwork. Inconsistent or incomplete documents can delay your case or affect your desired outcome. A well-prepared custody agreement reflects your intentions and helps the court understand your position.
Joint custody means both parents share time and/or decision making over the child.
Yes. Custody orders can be modified if circumstances change, with court approval.
No - especially for uncontested agreements - but if your case is complex or contentious, legal representation can be beneficial.
The child’s best interests, parental stability, existing living arrangements, and ability to meet the child’s needs.
