Service Terms and Conditions

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 Local Legal Aid Services

Terms and Conditions of Service Agreement

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of services outlined in the accompanying Statement of Legal Aid Services and original invoice (collectively, the "Agreement") between the Client and Legal Service Providers (“Cooperation's EAP, YLC, EC, AFMA”).

🧾 Supplemental Legal Assistance and Attorney Referrals

Our legal service providers provide legal document preparation services only, and does not offer attorney representation. If further legal assistance is required beyond the scope of your filing, we may refer Clients to an accredited attorney practicing in the appropriate legal domain.

• The fees quoted by us cover document preparation and filing only.
• If Client seeks attorney representation, retainer fees typically begin at $3,000. This amount covers initial review only and does not guarantee that an attorney will accept the case for representation.
• Any decisions regarding representation are at the sole discretion of the referred attorney.

Paralegal Services Disclosure:
Our legal service providers are paralegals stationed at law firms within California, operating under the supervision of accredited attorneys. Each service provider functions independently as a separate program. Any concerns or inquiries must be addressed directly with the respective program managing the case.

Attorney Participation Disclaimer:
Participating attorneys are not responsible for decisions made, actions taken, or outcomes of any community-supported legal filings. They do not assume liability for case results generated through our document preparation services.

⚖️ Scope of Services

Legal Document Preparation:
Client acknowledges that we provide legal document preparation services only—not legal advice or representation by an attorney. All documentation will be prepared by our service provider, which will gather necessary case details, file required court documents and respond to applicable court correspondence. We will serve as the primary point of contact and provide proof of filings.

Pardon Applications:
Includes:

• Intake interview
• Reference letter assistance
• Personal declarations
• Fingerprint and background requests
• Retrieval of case files
  Optional documents such as certificates or awards may be added upon request.

Expungement / Record Sealing / Early Termination:
Includes:

• Petition for case review
• Background retrieval
• Supporting documents -
• We submit completed materials to the court and tracks filing progress.

Civil Matters (Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer):
Services include:

• Case types: Small Claims (Demand for Payment) and Unlawful Detainer (Evictions)
• Evidence collection and client intake
• Drafting of demand letters and initial complaints (client receives a copy before filing)
• Filing with designated court and submitting proof of service
• Engaging a licensed process server to serve documents (additional cost)
• Responses or additional document service beyond initial filing will incur further fees
• No court appearance is included; Client is responsible for self-representation
• Post-trial collection assistance may be offered at an additional cost
  (Timeframe depends on collection method and party compliance)

💼 Agreement Conditions

• Services will commence only after full payment of the filing fee as specified in the invoice.
• In some cases, a deposit may authorize the start of service.
• All payments are non-refundable once processing begins (e.g., background checks).

💳 Fees and Payment

• Fees for services are outlined in the Statement of Legal Aid Services and accompanying invoice.
• Payment plans are accepted; case preparation begins after final installment is received.
• All fees paid are non-refundable, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Legal services commence only after the full filing fee or approved deposit is received.

Third-Party Payment Policy (e.g. PayPal):
Payments made via third-party providers such as PayPal are considered full settlement of the Client’s account with our service providers. Once verified, our service providers will immediately begin case processing.

• All payment arrangements and loan applications through third-party services are handled solely between Client and the provider (e.g., PayPal).
• We are not affiliated with, nor responsible for, the processing, approval, or management of any third-party financing.
• For questions regarding financing or loan status, Client must refer to their invoice and contact PayPal directly.

Application Requirements:
To be approved for financing through PayPal, Client must:

• Hold a valid PayPal account
• Submit a credit application to PayPal
  If denied, another individual may apply on the Client’s behalf. EAP will issue a new invoice in the name of the designated supporting party upon request.

📌 Client and Firm Responsibilities

EAP’s Responsibilities:

• Perform agreed services with diligence
• Keep Client informed of updates
• Respond to inquiries reasonably and promptly

Client’s Responsibilities:

• Provide timely and truthful information
• Notify EAP of updates (address, phone, case-related notices)
• Maintain professional conduct
• Refrain from harassing, slandering, or inappropriate contact
  Breaches may result in EAP’s withdrawal without refund.

💸 Payment Disputes and Conduct Policy

If a chargeback or disputed payment is initiated by Client while their case is being processed, all services will immediately be suspended until a new payment is made via Zelle or direct wire transfer. We reserve the right to halt filings, communications, and case preparation without exception.

If a chargeback is later reversed, the funds must be confirmed received through EAP’s financial institution before services resume. Unverifiable chargeback credits will result in the case remaining on hold until the full balance is repaid.

If Client initiates a chargeback after the case has already been filed with the court, our legal service providers will cease all responses or actions on behalf of the Client until the entire balance is paid via wire transfer, with no exceptions. In cases where a discounted rate was applied (e.g., 50% off the standard filing fee), Client will be responsible for paying the remaining 50% as part of the chargeback resolution. we do not control how banks process chargebacks and will not communicate with Client’s financial institution. Clients are responsible for resolving payment issues directly with their bank.

Furthermore, our legal service providers reserve the right to refuse services or communication if a Client engages in:

• Harassment or repeated inappropriate contact (phone, text, email)
• Slander or false public statements
• Cyberstalking or defamatory reviews

These actions may subject the Client to a civil complaint for defamation and economic damages, including compensation for lost business.

🔁 Refund Policy

Unless specified otherwise, all fees are non-refundable once the intake form is submitted and background checks or document retrievals are initiated.

📤 Withdrawal of Services

We may withdraw under the following conditions:

• Client consents to withdrawal
• Client's conduct hinders performance
• Payment failure

Client remains responsible for fees incurred prior to withdrawal.

⏳ Postponement & Cancellation

• A case may be placed on hold upon request without additional fees, but payments are non-refundable.
• Cancellation forfeits any paid balance due to administrative processing.

⚠️ Disclaimer of Outcome Guarantee

Client acknowledges that we cannot guarantee results or timelines. Approvals, investigations, and scheduling are subject to the discretion of the court or appropriate departments.

🛡️ Errors & Omissions Coverage

We carry errors and omissions insurance exceeding California’s minimum requirements. Corrections due to procedural errors will be made at no cost to the Client.

📑 Important Notes

Our legal service providers prepare and submit documentations to the court clerk but does not influence or guarantee court decisions. Case timelines and outcomes depend solely on the reviewing agencies and the nature of the Client’s background and filing.

Question about these terms can be addressed to records@expungementassistanceprogram.com