Attorney vs. LDA vs. DIY: What’s the Right Choice for Your Orange County Divorce?
Disclaimer: OC Legal Help is not a law firm. We are Legal Document Assistants who can prepare legal documents at your direction. We cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.
Navigating a divorce is one of life’s most stressful events. The emotional toll is heavy, and when you add the potential for staggering legal fees, it can feel overwhelming. Many people in Orange County believe they have only two options: hire an expensive attorney or attempt to handle the complicated paperwork all on their own.
But what if there was a third option? A professional, affordable, and supportive middle ground? Let’s break down the choices.
The Traditional Attorney Route
Best for: Contested, complex, or high-conflict divorces where you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues like child custody, asset division, or support.
What they do: Attorneys provide legal advice, develop case strategy, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court.
The Cost: This is the most expensive option. Legal fees in Orange County can quickly run into the tens of thousands of dollars, often starting with a significant retainer fee.
The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Path
Best for: Individuals with an extremely simple, uncontested case, no children, no shared property, and who are very comfortable navigating complex legal forms and court procedures on their own.
What they do: You are responsible for finding, filling out, and correctly filing all necessary legal forms with the Orange County Superior Court.
The Risk: The legal system is complex. A single mistake on a form, a missed deadline, or an incorrect filing procedure can cause significant delays or even lead to your case being rejected, costing you more time and money in the long run.
The Legal Document Assistant Option (LDA)
Best for: Uncontested divorces where you and your spouse are in agreement and just need help ensuring the paperwork is prepared accurately and professionally.
What they do: A registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant is a non-attorney professional authorized to prepare legal documents at your direction. We can’t offer legal advice, but we can ensure your forms are filled out correctly, professionally formatted, and ready for you to file with the court.
The OC Legal Help Advantage: We provide a flat-fee service for uncontested divorce assistance, starting at just $495. You get the peace of mind that your documents are prepared correctly by an experienced professional, without the intimidating cost of an attorney. We empower you to represent yourself, with the confidence that your paperwork is in perfect order.
The Right Choice for You
For many couples in Orange County, a contested legal battle isn’t necessary. If you’ve already reached an agreement and are ready to move forward, don’t let the fear of high legal fees or complex paperwork hold you back.
Ready to move forward without the high cost? Contact OC Legal Help today for a consultation and let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your future.
