09/15/2026
⚠️ “I’m a paralegal” does NOT automatically mean “I’m authorized to prepare legal documents for the public.”
Arizona regulates who may independently provide legal document preparation services—and the distinction matters.
✅ Attorneys are licensed to practice law. They may prepare legal documents, evaluate your legal situation, advise you regarding your rights and options, and represent you.
✅ Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparers are specifically authorized to prepare legal documents for self-represented individuals without attorney supervision. We may also provide general legal information.
But there is an important distinction:
Certified Legal Document Preparers are NOT attorneys and cannot give legal advice. We cannot tell you what you should do, evaluate which legal strategy is best for you, or represent you as an attorney would.
❌ Simply being a paralegal, CPA, tax preparer, bookkeeper, notary, or other professional does not by itself authorize someone to independently prepare legal documents for the public. Depending on the services being provided, doing so without the proper authorization may constitute the unauthorized practice of law.
Arizona does have other specifically licensed or authorized legal-service professionals, including Legal Paraprofessionals, whose authority is limited to their licensed scope. The key is that there must be actual authority under Arizona law—not simply experience or a professional title.
Before handing someone your trust, deed, probate documents, divorce paperwork, business documents, or other important legal documents, ask:
👉 What Arizona license or certification authorizes you to prepare this for me?
A reputable professional should be able to answer that question clearly.
At Tri-State Paralegal Services, our legal document preparation services are provided LEGALLY as we have the certification necessary.
Know who you’re hiring. Know what they’re authorized to do.