This is the link to the Supreme Court webpage providing information for legal document preparers - https://www.azcourts.gov/cld/Legal-Document-Preparer-Program , There may be a page developed later that will be targeted to DVLDPs but this is the page to access information for this lesson as of 2/19/2021. From this page you can click on the LDP Examination and then go to the Study Guide link - https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/26/LDP/LDP%20Exam%20Study%20Guide%20October%202019%20-%20Rule%204i%20update.pdf?ver=2020-11-03-144529-713 .
Part One, For this lesson you will need to follow this link and only review -
6. Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 7-201 (H) - Complaints, Investigations, Disciplinary Actions, Proceedings and Certification and Disciplinary Hearings.3. Investigation. (a) (b) and (c) [page 36]; 6. Grounds for Discipline - (a through k) [pages 38 and 39]; and 10.Notice of Formal Statement of Charges and Proceedings (a through e) [page 43]
and 13. Arizona Code of Juicial Administration 7-208) (J) Code of Conduct [page 60]
Part Two, Discuss Practical Examples with Legal Professionals
As you are reading the regulations included in this lesson's readings, choose several of the grounds of discipline and code of conduct items outlined, then talk with members of the legal profession about how these could come up in your practise as a DVLDP. For example -
Example One - 6. Grounds for Discipline. d. Aided or assisted another person or business entity to provide services requiring certification if the other person or entity does not hold the required certification. - What does aiding or assisting mean? If you knew a neighbor of a client prepared their documents, should you use that work? Should you report the person to the court so they don't offer that service again? It is expected that a LDP would not use the forms prepared by an uncertified neighbor and that they should report them.
Example Two - Your client may ask you to speak for them, to their ex-spouse, to their employer, etc. to explain something they have difficulty explaining. A DVLDP cannot represent a client in this manner. Did you understand that in the Code of Conduct
5. Performance in Accordance with Law. b. A legal document preparer shall not represent they are authorized to practice law in this state, nor shall the legal document preparer provide legal advice or services to another by expressing opinions, either verbal or written, or by representing another in a judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceeding, or other formal dispute resolution process, except as authorized in Rule 31(d), Rules of the Supreme Court. A legal document preparer shall not attend court with a consumer for the purpose of assisting the consumer in the court proceeding, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Your understanding of the practicality and scope of each of these regulations will be enhanced through discussion with a trusted legal professional.
