Above the Rest Document Services was founded in 1998 by Margo Ann Dowd, with a goal of helping people navigate through the complex California legal paperwork system without the expense of an attorney. We provide professional document preparation at prices that won’t break your budget.

Margo has worked in the legal document preparation field for nearly 30 years, having received her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies in 1993. She then went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1997, followed by a Bachelor’s in Law in 2012. In 2014, Margo earned her law degree (Juris Doctorate).  Margo is not a lawyer and has chosen to remain in the legal document preparation field to better serve the needs of her clients. As such, Margo cannot give legal advice.  Margo is a member in good standing of CALDA (California Association of Legal Document Assistants).  She allows her clients to achieve this goal by distributing to her clients’ legal materials that have been published or approved by a lawyer, prepare the clients’ legal documents under the direction of her customers, and file the clients’ legal documents in the appropriate courts by providing forms and information, and even a courier service to file documents in the correct court. Margo also assists her clients by mediating their divorce, to help them to avoid the stress, money, and time of going to court. In the event that a case becomes contested, she can refer clients to an attorney who suits their needs.  She is bonded as per California State Law Requirements.

What is a Legal Document Assistant? (LDA)

Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1st, 2000, only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are now officially known as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs). LDAs often have the same educational background as a paralegal and are REQUIRED by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business. Please Note:

• A Legal Document Assistant is NOT a Lawyer.
• By law, they cannot give you legal advice or represent you in the courts in any matter.
• If you need to consult with an attorney, your LDA will be able to provide you with a referral.