Some of the differences between a paralegal/legal document assistant and an attorney is,  a paralegal/legal document assistant can not give you legal advice.   When most clients come to a paralegal/LDA they already know what they want to start.  Or changes, in  an existing legal document or court order.  As a paralegal/LDA, I have the same  legal program in my computer as the court system, or an attorney has.  A paralegal/legal document assistant, can not argue your case in the court room, nor represent you in the court room.  This is why most case's prepared by a paralegal/LDA are agreed upon by both parties.  If you however did hire an attorney, rather then a paralegal/LDA, you have incurred expensive hourly fees to your attorney. And, you still in most cases have to agree, OR the courts will do it for you.   In the end, you truly just want your case settled and put  it behind you.  Saving as much of your cash flow as you can.  I'm the person to help.    In the State of California,  a paralegal is truly a person who works for a law firm under the direction of an attorney.   I do not.  I however do have the accreditation and graduation diploma, credits, and hours of a licensed paralegal. I  am bonded in California.  Registered as a LDA in the county.  Due to state guide lines, my official title is a LDA= Legal Document Assistant even with my paralegal certification, I must call my self an LDA.  I have been in busniess for ten years.	I would like to share with you the education that I have in the field of an independent paralegal studies. Now in the State of California, you must  be known as a 'Legal Document Assistant'  if you are not employed by an attorney.  Which I am not.   I have been through one of the best accredited paralegal schools.  Washington Institute.  I have taken the courses offered by the National Notary Association.  As well as passed the national notary test given by the secretary of state. I have gone through finger printing and a back ground investigation. The courses I have been trained and tested in are as follows. Perspectives, problems and skills of the paralegal. Practical Bankruptcy law. Wills, Trusts and Estate administration. Family law. Foundations of business organizations. Criminal law. Essentials of torts. Essentials of practical Real Estate law.