While Riverside County Document Assistants (LDAs) are authorized to prepare documents for consumers and businesses, California law places clear limits on what we can and cannot do. It’s important that clients understand these boundaries so they know what to expect and can make informed decisions about their needs. LDAs operate under strict guidelines to protect people and to maintain the integrity of a variety of processes.

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An LDA cannot provide advice under any circumstances. This means I cannot tell you what forms to use, how to complete them in a way that could affect your standing, or what strategy is best for your situation. If you’re unsure of your rights, the best course of action, or how a law applies to you, you should seek representation.

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What I Can Do: I can share publicly available information from experts, official sources such as court websites or legal aid guides to help you make informed choices. I can then complete and submit documents you select based on your direction, organize your information clearly, and ensure your documents are court-ready and professionally formatted.

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I cannot represent you in court, negotiate on your behalf, or speak to third parties (like opposing counsel, landlords, or court clerks) about the specifics of your case.

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What I Can Do: I can help you prepare documents to support your self-representation (pro per), including court forms, declarations, timelines, and evidence packets based on your direction. I can also provide information about filing procedures and court requirements.

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LDAs are also prohibited from selecting forms for clients unless they’ve been specifically told by the client which forms to use.

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What I Can Do: I can provide blank court-approved forms, assist with form completion based on the information you provide, and help ensure your paperwork meets formatting requirements. If you already know what forms you need, I’ll prepare them accurately and efficiently.

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In addition, I cannot guarantee results or predict outcomes. The outcomes of a matter depend on many factors, including evidence, testimony, and interpretation.

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What I Can Do: I can help you organize your documents, ensure they are clear and complete, and file them correctly with the appropriate court or county office. I can also help you meet procedural deadlines and include all necessary supporting documents based on your instructions.

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Lastly, I cannot charge for research or advice beyond sharing publicly available information prepared by courts, government agencies, or licensed experts.

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What I Can Do: I can perform basic research to locate and share publicly available resources that may assist you—such as court self-help guides, local procedures, or instructional videos—without interpreting or summarizing them.

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Understanding these boundaries helps build trust and ensures that both the LDA and the client operate within the limits set by California. If your needs go beyond document preparation, I’ll always let you know and may refer you to a local organization or firm for further assistance. My goal is to support you ethically, respectfully, and within the scope of California requirements. If you have more questions, or want to get started, call, text or email me today.