Advertising scope: This page identifies a category of clerical document preparation that a participating office may offer. It does not select or recommend forms, determine eligibility, explain legal rights, or provide advice about deadlines, remedies or strategy.
Professional document preparation for self-represented clients.
Flat-fee preparation of divorce and legal separation paperwork for self-represented clients. By The People offices work from the information and instructions supplied by customers who have chosen to handle their legal matter without attorney representation.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Divorce paperwork we can prepare
Depending on the facts of the matter and the services offered by the local office, divorce document preparation may include opening pleadings, financial disclosures, settlement documents, default paperwork and judgment forms. Documents are prepared from the customer’s information and specific instructions.
- Petition and summons
- Response paperwork
- Financial disclosures
- Marital settlement agreements
- Default documents
- Judgment forms
How the process works
Contact the office nearest you, describe the document service you are requesting, provide the facts and information needed for the paperwork, and receive a flat-fee quote. The local office will explain its own intake, turnaround, delivery and filing-assistance process.
Common questions
What can California divorce document preparation include?
The exact documents depend on the service requested and the office handling the matter. Contact your nearest By The People office for the specific documents it prepares.
Can By The People give me legal advice?
No. California Legal Document Assistants prepare documents at the customer's specific direction and do not provide legal advice or representation.
How much does document preparation cost?
Pricing varies by service and location. By The People offices generally use flat-fee pricing rather than hourly attorney billing.
Are filing fees included?
Court filing fees, recording fees, service fees and other third-party costs are separate unless the office specifically states that they are included.