What is a legal document assistant?
A Legal Document Assistant is defined as any person who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing themselves in a legal matter, or who holds themselves out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. This shall not apply to any individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services.
How to register as a legal document assistant in Santa Clara County
Complete and provide the following (if renewing, see information below):
- A completed registration form
- A legal document assistant bond. The bond must show date of issuance and date of expiration. The recorded bond will be returned by mail within 6 to 8 weeks.
- Legal Document Assistant registration fee
- Valid California Driver License
Secondary County registration
An application for secondary registration shall meet all of the above requirements except that in place of filing another original bond or cash deposit, a copy of the bond or cash deposit, certified by the primary county of registration, shall be submitted. The term of registration with the secondary county shall be the remaining balance of the two-year term of coverage of the primary-county bond.
Renewal information
The Legal Document Assistant registration is effective for a period of two years, or the bond expiration date, whichever occurs first. The renewal can take place up to 60 days prior to the expiration date; the effective date of the renewal will be the date your current registration expires. As long as the renewal takes place on or before the expiration date, the registration number will remain the same. The above-listed requirements (including fees) still apply when renewing.
