Call Icon used for contacting legal assistance or law services - Law office of Sandra F. BanksGet your questions answered - Call us for your free, 20 min phone consultation (510) 213-7665

Signing divorce documents with gavel and wedding rings; affordable legal paperwork without retainer.

Who Is This Document Preparation Service Designed For?

My firm’s document preparation service is designed for people who either can’t afford or don’t want to spend the funds for an attorney to fully handle their family law case whether it be a divorce or custody/support issues.

These services are far less expensive and allow you to save considerable money while still ensuring your family law papers are well-drafted and meet your individual needs.

How Is This Different From Hiring A Full-Scope Divorce Attorney?

This process lets you tell me what you need from your family law papers and file them yourself. It’s far simpler and less expensive, than having an attorney to handle your entire divorce. At the same time, it’s far safer than relying on online DIY forms or, worse, ChatGPT for legal documents and advice. Come to me instead. I’ll write your documents up, and you’ll be able to review them, sign them, take them to the court, and be done, all for a simple flat fee.

What Does Your Flat Fee Cover?

The flat fee will cover document preparation and legal advice on what to include and how to format the documents. However, this fee won’t cover any advice on what to say in court or extended assistance with divorce mediation. The flat fee simply covers your documents and the legal guidance behind how they are worded and what they specify. If you wish additional services such as coaching for court or mediation, those are additional fees to be determined.

Flat Fee

Parentage $1,299
Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage with Children $1,799
Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage without Children $1,399
Motions / Requests for Orders
  • Child Support / Custody / Visitation
  • Spousal Support
$749+
Joinder of Retirement Plan $549
Stipulations (Custody / Visitation / Support / Property) $549
DOMESTIC VIOLENT RESTRAINING ORDERS
Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order
  • With children
$750
Response to Domestic Violence Restraining Order
  • With/Out Children
$550
Fee/Waive $150
Court Courier Service $100 + fees
Rush Service (after 10:00 am no guarantee) $150 + costs
Court Filing $75 + copy fee
Drop off / Pickup $75 – each
e-Filing $40 + costs
Professional reviewing legal contracts; document drafting services with a gavel and justice scales.

How Does The Intake Process Work From Start To Finish?

The intake process is quite simple. Complete an intake form to let me know what you need from me regarding your divorce documents. If you’re requesting expedited services, an additional fee applies.

In the meantime, I’ll prepare your documents. You’ll then meet with me, review the documents, we’ll make any changes that you need to make, and then you’ll leave with copies of the documents in hand.
On average, the timeline for drafting and preparing the documents should be 24 to 48 hours. It’s a very quick process.

What Types Of Family Law Documents Do You Prepare?

I prepare any documents that you might need or want for your divorce, from the very beginning all the way to the judgment. This includes motions, income and expense declarations, and child custody orders.

What’s Included In The Flat Fee For Each Service?

All needed documents are included in my flat fee, from child custody to asset division stipulations. Generally, we review the petition for divorce, the other party’s response, income and expense declarations, a motion or counter-motion, custody and visitation agreements, and the judgment. See List of Fees

If your divorce takes a long time and is high-conflict, I will add fees for each motion requested.

Is Court Filing Included, Or Do I File The Documents Myself?

The choice is entirely up to you. We could e-file if you’re more comfortable with this option, and you’ll need my help for that. However, the courts can be quite backed up at times with regard to getting to e-filed documents, and if you have the free time, you can also walk into the court and file the divorce documents yourself.

What Services Are Not Included That I Should Be Aware Of?

Ongoing legal advice is not included in the flat fee. For example, if your former spouse is not complying with a court order, you would not be able to call me for legal advice or representation and have it covered under the flat-fee umbrella. Basic pre-mediation preparation is included; however, long-term support for divorce mediation is not.

How Does This Service Protect Me Better Than DIY Forms?

DIY forms are incredibly easy to get wrong, and the law is quite complicated. It’s far better to allow an attorney to write up your documents to ensure they are organized, legally binding, and convey exactly what you wish to convey to a judge. This way, you won’t risk forgetting to check a box or mention something important.

It’s also important to allow a lawyer to advise you on the legal details of your divorce documents. It’s best to have documents drafted that are both tailored and allow for flexibility where it counts. ChatGPT simply won’t be able to account for all these complexities or advise you on which custody schedule to request.

Image highlighting the Law Office Of Sandra F. Banks

Get your questions answered - Call us
for your free, 20 min phone consultation
(510) 213-7665

Accessibility Accessibility
× Accessibility Menu CTRL+U