Understanding and filling out the paperwork for tax foreclosures, wills, divorces, garnishments or small claims are usually what people let their attorney do, but in some cases a legal document preparer could do the job at a much cheaper price.

Cheryl Wall, a certified legal document preparer by the Supreme Court of Arizona, just opened an office in Safford.

A legal document preparer cannot represent a client in court or give legal advice but can do the paperwork for the case and inform the client of statutes, procedures and general law.

Cheryl Wall

Wall received a paralegal degree from Pima Community College three years ago. Instead of going on to law school, she choose to be a mom and opened an office in her garage.

Wall said the difference between a paralegal and a certified legal document preparer is that paralegals work under direct supervision of an attorney and preparers are on their own but only allowed to share information on statutes, procedures and general law.

Wall said a common certified legal document preparer case can be for clients who want a divorce but don’t need an attorney’s advice. She said some clients have called her and said lawyers won’t take their case because it is too small.

“I believe it’s something the community really needs,” Wall said.

She said some people in the community can’t afford or don’t always need an attorney and using a preparer is just as efficient.

Cheryl A. Wall P.C., is located at 5617 S. Thorn Lane in Safford. She can be reached at 348-3068. Wall said her hours are flexible, and she will accommodate her clients.

Wall and her family moved to Safford in 2004 from Morenci. She has been certified since December 2007. She is also a registered process server and notary.