Legal Document Preparation Services in Phoenix, Arizona
Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. Whether you are going through a divorce, starting a business, or planning your estate, the paperwork is often complex and confusing. Many people believe their only option is to hire an expensive attorney, but there is an affordable alternative.
If you have a straightforward legal matter and do not require legal advice, you can represent yourself. This is known as “pro se” representation. Our Phoenix-based team provides Certified Legal Document Preparation (CLDP) services to help you handle your case efficiently. We prepare your documents correctly, ensure they are ready for court, and save you thousands of dollars in legal fees.
What is a Certified Legal Document Preparer?
A Certified Legal Document Preparer (CLDP) is a professional certified by the Arizona Supreme Court to prepare legal documents for people who are representing themselves. We are not attorneys, and we do not work under the supervision of an attorney when we help you.
In Arizona, this profession is strictly regulated under the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 7-208 and Arizona Supreme Court Rule 31. This certification ensures that we meet high standards of education, experience, and ethics. While a paralegal typically works only for a lawyer, a CLDP is licensed to provide services directly to the public.
We help you by taking the information you provide and putting it into the proper legal format required by the court. This ensures your documents are accepted for filing without the high hourly rates associated with hiring a law firm.
Services We Provide
We assist clients throughout Phoenix and the greater Arizona area with a wide variety of legal matters. Our goal is to make the document completion process as stress-free as possible.
Family Law and Divorce
Family matters are often emotional and difficult. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family. We assist with:
- Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage: Preparing petitions, responses, and consent decrees for uncontested cases.
- Child Custody and Parenting Time: Establishing legal decision-making authority and visitation schedules.
- Child Support: preparing worksheets and modification requests.
- Paternity: Documents to establish legal fatherhood.
- QDROs: Qualified Domestic Relations Orders to divide retirement accounts after a divorce.
Estate Planning and Probate
Planning for the future protects your loved ones. We prepare essential testamentary documents including:
- Wills: Clearly stating how you want your assets distributed.
- Living Trusts: Creating revocable trusts to manage assets and potentially avoid probate.
- Powers of Attorney: Designating someone to make financial or medical decisions for you.
- Probate and Estate Administration: Assisting with the paperwork required to settle an estate after a death.
- Guardianship: Preparing documents for the guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults.
Business Formation
Starting a new venture requires specific filings with the state. We can help you set up:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Articles of organization and operating agreements.
- Corporations and Partnerships: Standard formation documents to get your business running.
Why Choose a Legal Document Preparer Over an Attorney?
The primary reason most people choose a document preparer is cost. Attorneys typically charge high hourly rates and require large retainers. If your case is not contested—meaning you and the other party generally agree on the outcome—you may not need a lawyer to fight for you in court.
Benefits of our services include:
- Affordability: We generally charge a flat fee for document preparation, which is significantly lower than attorney fees.
- Speed: Because we focus solely on paperwork and not litigation, we can often complete your file faster.
- Accuracy: We are trained in the specific formatting and content requirements of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure and Family Law Procedure.
- Convenience: We handle the typing, formatting, and can even assist with court filing and notarization.
Sullivan Shick
Our Document Preparation Process
We strive to make the process simple and transparent. Here is what you can expect when working with us:
1. Initial Consultation:
2. Information Gathering:
3. Document Drafting:
4. Review and Approval:
5. Notarization and Filing:
Important Limitations: What We Cannot Do
It is important to understand the difference between document preparation and legal representation. As Certified Legal Document Preparers:
- We cannot provide legal advice or tell you what your legal rights are.
- We cannot represent you in court or speak to a judge on your behalf.
- We cannot negotiate with opposing counsel or the other party for you.
If your case involves complex legal strategies, high-conflict disputes, or if you are unsure of your legal rights, we strongly recommend you consult with a licensed attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CLDP is certified to prepare and file documents based on your instructions but cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. Attorneys provide legal counsel, strategy, and courtroom representation. CLDPs are a more affordable option for straightforward legal matters where you represent yourself.
While prices vary by service, legal document preparers typically charge a flat fee that is significantly less than hiring an attorney. You avoid hourly billing and large retainers because you are paying only for the preparation of the documents, not for legal advice or representation.
We can assist with a wide range of matters including divorce, child custody and support, wills, living trusts, probate, guardianship, QDROs, and business formation (like LLCs). We handle the paperwork for these areas to ensure they meet court standards.
All certified preparers must comply with Arizona Supreme Court Rule 31 and the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. You can verify a preparer's certification through the official Arizona Judicial Branch website or by asking for their certification number.
The process typically starts with an intake to gather your information. We then draft the documents based on your specifications. Once drafted, you review them for accuracy. Finally, we assist with notarization and filing the documents with the court.
No. A legal document preparer cannot represent you in court. You will act as your own representative (pro se). If you feel you need someone to speak for you in front of a judge, you must hire an attorney.
If your divorce is uncontested—meaning you and your spouse agree on major issues like property division and custody—a legal document preparer is a great option. However, if there are significant disputes or complex assets, you should consult an attorney.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the documents and how quickly you provide the necessary information. However, document preparers can often complete paperwork much faster than a busy law firm, sometimes within a few days to a week.
To maintain certification, we must pass a comprehensive written exam on Arizona law and procedure, pass an FBI background check, and complete at least 10 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) every year. This ensures we stay current on regulatory changes.
Yes. Certified Legal Document Preparers are bound by strict ethical standards regarding client confidentiality. Your personal information is kept secure and private throughout the entire process.
Professional Assistance for Your Legal Documents
Handling your own legal matters doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. At Sullivan Shick, we provide the professional support you need to ensure your documents are accurate, compliant, and filed correctly. By choosing our Phoenix legal document preparation services, you gain peace of mind knowing your paperwork is in order, allowing you to move forward with confidence and financial savings.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944