how long does it usually take for a lawyer to prepare documentation

When should I give the lawyer the copies of my Documents?

Nov 28, 2012 · This step usually takes 1 week but may take longer if DOL cannot verify the employer's tax ID number. Thus, we always ask employers to provide proof of their EIN (tax ID number) so we could send it to the DOL to avoid delays. Thus, if you do not want to miss out on the H-1B CAP, I recommend you to start the case early.

How do I prepare for a consultation with a lawyer?

Jul 12, 2011 · Having been an estate planning and elder law attorney for 25 years, and having drafted hundreds of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for my clients, I would say that a reasonable time for an attorney to complete all these documents would be a few weeks at most.

Do I need to bring documents to meet with a lawyer?

Apr 04, 2012 · Assuming that you and your spouse have reached an agreement concerning all issues, in the normal course of time, the attorney would probably file all necessary documents within about seven days. In emergency situations, it could be completed more quickly.

What to do before meeting an attorney for the first time?

May 02, 2022 · The Legal Plan. An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will ...

How quickly should my lawyer respond?

Do lawyers take a long time to respond?

What documents do I need to prepare a lawyer?

How do you create a legal document?

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

What precautions do you take while drafting a legal document?

Can you draft your own legal document?

What does it mean to draft legal documents?

What are legal documents called?

How do you start a letter to a lawyer?

Are pdfs legal documents?

Recent Questions

Putting Mom in a memory care facility against her will. Do I have the power to force her to go?

Popular Questions

Can changes my Dad made to his estate plan be invalidated if it's proven he was mentally ill?

Related Questions

Five years ago my 88-year-old mother’s credit card was stolen and $25,000 of merchandise was charged. Now my mother wanted to change her will and the bank says we owe this money. What can we do to resolve this issue?

Howard M Lewis

Yes, in most cases unless it is a divorce by publication of some sort and you are no longer a resident of the state or this country you will most likely have to go to court.

John Noah Kitta

Assuming that you and your spouse have reached an agreement concerning all issues, in the normal course of time, the attorney would probably file all necessary documents within about seven days. In emergency situations, it could be completed more quickly.

Michael Charles Schwerin

How long it takes to complete the papers varies depending on the length of your marriage, the assets, the issues, children or not children etc. In California, if the other side defaults or if you have an agreement, it is possible you will never see the inside of a courtroom. It can all be done on paper.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

What is the first meeting between a lawyer and a prospective client?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship. At this point, you are both checking each other out, and getting information and advice that can help you with your case regardless of whether you hire that lawyer or any other one.

What is an initial consultation?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship. At this point, you are both checking each other out, and getting information and advice that can help you ...

Benefits of Using a Legal Document Assistant vs Hiring a Lawyer

The most significant advantage of using a legal document preparer vs hiring a lawyer is the cost savings. For example, if you have a legal issue that is relatively straightforward, such as a name change or LLC filing, the legal process is reasonably simple.

Are there Downsides of Using a Legal Document Preparer?

The main drawback for using a document preparer vs. a lawyer is that the services a registered legal document preparer provides can only cover document preparation and case processing or management. In this regard, if your case is complicated or has unique issues, you probably need the help of an attorney.

Selecting Forms for Your Legal Process

It may surprise you to learn that a legal document assistant cannot help you choose forms. Yes, the ability for a legal document preparer to select forms for clients is actually prohibited by California law. As a result, customers often ask how we can help them if they do not know what forms they need.

Requirements for Legal Document Assistants

California requires that legal document preparers (known as legal document assistants) have specific qualifications to provide legal document services. For example, a legal document assistant must have a certain number of credits in a legal education program or have legal training working for a licensed attorney.

About the Author: apeopleschoice

Sandra M. McCarthy, founder of A People’s Choice, has worked exclusively in the legal field since 1976. She served as the 2004-2005 President of CALDA (California Association of Legal Document Assistants). She obtained a Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

One Comment

It’s good to know that a document preparer is a more affordable and practical solution for more straight-forward legal issues. My brother is starting a business, so he has been trying to figure out who to hire to help with the legal documentation.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a client?

Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

Can a lawyer take your money?

While lawyers can certainly take your money and your time and we can file a case that will be very hard to win, if you don't care enough about your life to get a contract, the judge is not very likely to be on your side. At least, not automatically. Oral contracts are extremely hard to prove. What are the terms.

Do juries get it right?

While juries usually get it right, sometimes, it's not about whether a particular matter is emotional or simple, complicated or straightforward. Sometimes people make decisions on who has the nicer suit, or who is more pleasant to deal with. So even if your case is good or even if it's not so strong.

What is the first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

Is it expensive to hire a trust lawyer?

Hiring a trust and estates lawyer is almost always expensive. Learn how to save money by hiring the right lawyer, preparing for your first meeting, and making the most of your lawyer's time.

If you're dissatisfied with your lawyer, this article will help you determine whether your complaints are reasonable

If you're dissatisfied with your lawyer, this article will help you determine whether your complaints are reasonable.

Communication With Your Lawyer

Communication problems create problems in all types of relationships—including between an attorney and client. If you don't know what's going on in your lawsuit, you might assume you have a bad lawyer. To the contrary, your attorney could be doing a great job.

Your Right to Attorney Competence

It's a big shock to most people that there is no guarantee that your lawyer will do a good job. Bar associations tasked with monitoring attorneys go after lawyers who steal or violate specific ethical rules—not lawyers who just aren't very good.

Your Lawyer Should be Ethical

Each state has ethical laws that bind lawyers. Commonly, these rules require lawyers to:

You Should Understand the Legal Fees

When you hire a lawyer, it's important that your fee agreement is in writing and that you understand it. It's a simple way to avoid a common cause of contention with clients—the legal bills.