Can a para-legal set up a legal document without a lawyer for me?

Question

I need to set up a general release from liability form covering finanacial and personal matters regarding a family member. Would I have to see a lawyer because I heard that a paralegal can do the same legally official thing for way less money. It also would have to be legal in the states of PA and WA.

Answer 1

A paralegal is not allowed to give legal advice.

A paralegal will know how to draw up your document but should not be advising you about it.

You should definately see an attorney.

Answer 2

It depends on the state, and the state's "authorized practice of law" statute.

In some states, a paralegal can assist someone in filling out forms, and can even provide standard forms. In other states, a paralegal cannot work directly with the public without being supervised by an attorney.

Laws also vary by state, and very few paralegals are familiar enough with the general legal principles of multiple states. Even if they could offer legal advice (which they legally cannot), you are always better off getting a licensed professional if any significant amount of money is involved.

Answer 3

Think of it this way, if the document were deemed invalid down the road, do you have any recourse against the paralegal? In most cases, the answer is no. Except in situations where a non-lawyer is authorized by law to provide certain law-related services, there is no license to be taken away, and no insurance or bonding requirements to compensate you in the event of an error.

Answer 4

Dear Silver,

Some states have "contract specialists" who can draw up contracts without the assistance of an attorney. Other's may allow paralegals to do this work. If you're not sure, you need an attorney. I would advise this especially when you need a document legal in two states.

-j.