Diamond Springs, CA asked in Divorce for California

Q: Can a paralegal working on my divorce get into trouble

Been asking her for days to get the papers signed she keeps putting me off

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1 Lawyer Answer
Chris M. Bradford
Chris M. Bradford
Answered
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: A paralegal cannot give legal advice. A paralegal can only type up documents based on your instructions. So a paralegal would not be signing your papers. You would be signing your own papers. A paralegal might be signing a Proof of Service form, for example Proof of Service by Mail, if that is what she agreed to do. You used the word "signed". You said: "Been asking her for days to get the papers signed." Do you mean, "Been asking for days to get the papers prepared"?

You have not stated what papers you are talking about. What do you mean by "get into trouble?" Get into trouble with whom?

You need to talk to this paralegal to find out what is going on. Did you pay her what you agreed to pay?

If you need help with basic divorce papers I suggest the Self-Help Center.

All 58 counties in California have some type of Self-Help Center. The people at the Self-Help Center help you fill out family law forms for free. They can’t do everything in family law, but they will help you with all the basics. The downside is that they don’t have a lot of time to spend with you, and often there is a line to get in to see them. The upside is that it is free. So if you have more time than money, go to the Self-Help Center for divorce, custody, visitation, paternity and domestic violence paperwork. But if you want a more thorough in-depth help, it is recommended that you see a family law attorney.

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