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But Are These Consumers Really Divorced?

By Lynne DeVenny

If Carter's Paralegal Service in Gallatin,Tennessee had helped me get my divorce, and I read in the news that the Tennessee Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs had ordered the company to refund my legal fees, I'd be less worried about the money and more worried about my marital status.



MSNBC.com reports:

The Tennessee attorney general and Division of Consumer Affairs has reached an agreement with a Gallatin paralegal accused of providing divorces without a license.


According to the attorney general's office, Charlene Carter was doing business as Carter's Paralegal Service and allegedly advertised her legal services on Craigslist and through business cards.

Carter has agreed to pay restitution to customers who paid for legal services and has agreed to stop the alleged illegal activity, according to the attorney general's office.

Eligible consumers who come forward by May 13 will be awarded restitution, which must be paid within 90 days of notification to the defendant, according to the order.

But are you really?

Consumers who paid Charlene Carter and Carter's Paralegal Service should contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at 615-741-4737, or toll free at 800-342-8385. 

Of course I don't know the facts in this case, but it sounds like Carter may have been providing document preparation services similar to what California Legal Document Assistants offer - but as far as I know, Tennessee does not currently recognize non-attorney document preparers.

If I was one of these consumers, I'd use my refund to pay for an hour of a local family law attorney's time to review my divorce paperwork, especially if children and/or property were involved.

Source:  MSNBC.com

Full post as published by Practical Paralegalism on January 19, 2011 (boomark / email).