1. Expense
Many people believe hiring a paralegal or document preparation service is much less expensive than an attorney. This
may not be true. You may want to check if the paralegal's fees are actually less than an attorney's fees.
2. Expertise
Under Arizona law, a paralegal or document preparation service cannot provide legal advice. Some
agencies, by the way they advertise or behave, may make you believe you are speaking to an attorney. Ask the person if
s/he is a licensed Arizona attorney, licensed paralegal, or licensed document preparer! Ask specifically
for the person's qualifications: training, legal education, how long they have been practicing, type of experience.
All attorneys practicing in Arizona Superior Court must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona. Only attorneys
can represent, advise, and advocate for you in open court.
Note: Look in the upper left hand corner of any document prepared for you. Only an attorney's name will
appear in that space. Neither a paralegal nor a document preparer can be listed there. If you are
representing yourself, your name and address will go in that space. If you have been served, check that corner
to see the identity (if any) of the attorney representing the other side.
Additional Note: Some mediators are attorneys and are credentialed; most are not. Some individuals/agencies promote
that they are mediators without having any training, legal background, experience, or credentials. Mediators are
not licensed in Arizona.
3. Speed
Allowing an attorney to represent you may speed up your case. Not only will your case receive individual attention,
but you will be represented throughout the process by someone in court who can handle and expedite your case.
4. Doing it right the first time
Some individuals proceed on their own without legal advice and find that it costs more (e.g. money, time, energy
and aggrevation) on the "back end" to straighten things out than it would have at the outset. Sometimes, if
a person has not been represented and certain orders were already entered, it may be very difficult (and expensive) to
straighten out.
5. Compare and decide
You should at least consult with an attorney and receive legal advice before making decisions that adequately protect
yourself, your family, your property. Do not underestimate the importance of seeking legal advice for
your situation as early as possible. A paralegal or document preparation service cannot provide you with legal advice,
and is not necessarily cheaper, faster, and easier. A mediator may not have legal training or expertise
at all. Consult with an attorney, compare the others, and decide.
