Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and Leon LDA Services & Notary ("we," "us," or "our"). By engaging our services, visiting our website, or communicating with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our services. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any lawful reason.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Legal Document Assistant Services

As a registered Legal Document Assistant in California, we provide the following services at your specific direction:

• Preparation of legal documents based on information you provide
• Filing documents with courts and government agencies when authorized
• Obtaining and delivering forms and filed documents
• Providing general published factual information about legal procedures

2.2 Additional Services

We also provide:

• Notary Public Services: Document notarization in accordance with California law
• Document Serving: Professional process serving through registered servers
• Tax Preparation: Tax return preparation through our ADP partnership
• Translation Services: Certified translation of documents

2.3 What We Cannot Do

If you need legal advice or representation, you should consult with a licensed attorney.

3. Client Responsibilities

3.1 Accurate Information

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information
• Review all documents carefully before signing or filing
• Promptly notify us of any errors or changes in circumstances
• Make all final decisions regarding your legal matters
• Understand that you are responsible for the content and accuracy of all documents

3.2 Independent Judgment

You acknowledge that:

• All decisions regarding your legal matters are yours alone
• We prepare documents based solely on your instructions
• You should seek legal advice from an attorney if you have questions about legal rights, procedures, or strategy
• You are solely responsible for determining which documents to file and when

3.3 Timely Cooperation

You agree to:

• Respond promptly to our requests for information or documents
• Attend scheduled appointments or provide advance notice of cancellation
• Review and approve documents within reasonable timeframes
• Make timely payment for services rendered

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Service Fees

Our fees are based on the services requested and complexity of your matter. We provide written quotes before beginning work. Fees are subject to change, but you will be notified of any adjustments before additional work is performed.

4.2 Payment Terms

• Payment is typically due before final document delivery or filing
• We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards
• Payment plans may be available for qualified clients
• A returned check fee of $35 will be charged for insufficient funds
• Late payments may incur interest charges of 1.5% per month

4.3 Additional Costs

You are responsible for:

• Court filing fees
• Service of process fees
• Publication costs (e.g., for name changes)
• Certified copy fees
• Travel expenses for mobile services
• Any other third-party costs associated with your matter

4.4 Refunds

Refunds are generally not provided once work has begun. If you cancel services before we begin work, we will refund payments received minus any non-refundable costs already incurred (e.g., filing fees paid on your behalf). Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

5. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information and documents. We will not disclose your information to third parties except:

• With your express written consent
• As required by law or court order
• To service providers necessary to complete your work (e.g., process servers, filing services)
• To protect our legal rights in case of disputes

Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we handle your data.

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1 No Legal Advice

We provide document preparation services only. We do not provide legal advice. You acknowledge that:

• We are not responsible for legal outcomes of your case
• We cannot guarantee specific results or court decisions
• We are not liable for any legal consequences resulting from documents prepared at your direction
• You should consult an attorney if you need legal advice

6.2 Errors and Omissions

While we strive for accuracy, we are not liable for:

• Errors resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information you provide
• Changes in law that occur after document preparation
• Consequences of your decisions regarding legal strategy or document filing
• Court delays, rejections, or procedural issues beyond our control

6.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount you paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

6.4 Professional Liability Insurance

As required by California law, we maintain a bond of at least $25,000 to cover errors and omissions in our work as Legal Document Assistants.

7. Deadlines and Timeframes

While we make reasonable efforts to meet projected timeframes:

• Estimated completion times are not guarantees
• Delays may occur due to court schedules, missing information, or circumstances beyond our control
• You are responsible for monitoring all legal deadlines in your case
• We are not liable for missed deadlines unless caused by our gross negligence
• Rush services may be available for additional fees

8. Termination of Services

8.1 Client Termination

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You will be responsible for payment for all work completed up to the termination date, plus any non-refundable costs incurred.

8.2 Our Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to terminate our services if:

• You fail to provide requested information or documentation
• You fail to make required payments
• You request services beyond our legal authority
• Continuing would violate our professional obligations or the law
• You engage in abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior

8.3 File Return

Upon termination and payment of all outstanding fees, we will return your original documents. We may retain copies for our records as required by law.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is our property or licensed to us and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Documents we prepare for you become your property upon full payment. However, blank forms and templates remain our intellectual property.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Informal Resolution

If you have any concerns about our services, please contact us first. We are committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly.

10.2 Mediation

If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, we agree to attempt mediation before pursuing litigation. The costs of mediation will be shared equally unless otherwise agreed.

10.3 Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal action must be brought in the courts of Los Angeles County, California. You consent to the jurisdiction of these courts.

10.4 Arbitration

Any dispute that cannot be resolved through mediation may be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

11. Electronic Communications and Signatures

You consent to receive communications from us electronically via email or through our website. Electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement that communications be in writing. You agree that electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.

12. Specific Service Terms

12.1 Tax Preparation Services

Tax services are provided through our ADP partnership. You acknowledge that:

• You are responsible for the accuracy of information provided
• We cannot guarantee specific refund amounts or tax outcomes
• You remain liable for all taxes, penalties, and interest assessed by taxing authorities
• Audit defense services have specific terms and conditions

12.2 Notary Services

Notary services are governed by California notary law. We may refuse to notarize if:

• You cannot provide proper identification
• The document is incomplete or appears fraudulent
• You appear to be acting under duress
• We have a financial interest in the transaction
• Notarization would violate law or notary ethics

12.3 Document Serving

Process serving is performed by registered process servers. We are not liable for difficulties in locating parties or situations requiring multiple service attempts. Additional fees apply for skip tracing or extraordinary service efforts.

12.4 Translation Services

Certified translations are guaranteed accurate to the best of our translators' abilities. However, we are not responsible for:

• Rejection of translations by receiving agencies
• Interpretation or meaning of translated content
• Legal consequences of translated documents

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Leon LDA Services & Notary, its owners, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Inaccurate or incomplete information you provide
• Your violation of any law or rights of third parties

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Leon LDA Services & Notary regarding our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

16. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, contact us at: