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Virtual Paralegal Responsibilities Outlined

Virtual Paralegal Service, Virtual Paralegal Annual Packaging

Sara Taylor avatar
Written by Sara Taylor
Updated over a week ago

*Please note: Virtual Paralegal services are not meant to replace the daily operations of an in-house paralegal, but rather serve as a solution to alleviate the burden of document collection and petition drafting/filing.

✅ Virtual Paralegal Services – What We Offer:

  1. Confidential Case Handling

    • Maintain a secure and confidential working environment for all client files, both online and offline.

  2. Data Entry into NextChapter

    • Input all case data using attorney-provided questionnaires or by importing from MyChapter.

  3. Debtor Communication (If Authorized)

    • Contact debtors to collect missing or incomplete information when explicitly authorized by the attorney. All communication reflects that we work under the attorney’s direction.

  4. Valuation Research

    • Perform NADA or Kelley Blue Book valuations for vehicles.

    • Conduct Zillow or RealtyTrac searches for real property valuation (if a recent appraisal is not available).

  5. Public Records Searches

    • Perform criminal background checks via local court websites in the debtor's county of residence.

    • Retrieve real property records (deeds, mortgages) if available through online databases like LANDACCESS or Recorder’s Office.

  6. Case Progress Updates

    • Keep the attorney informed via the “Comments” section in NextChapter regarding case status and updates.

  7. Risk & Red Flag Alerts

    • Identify and alert attorneys of issues such as unexempt equity or signs of potential fraud to help avoid complications at the 341 Meeting of Creditors.

  8. Petition Drafting

    • Prepare drafts of the bankruptcy petition, schedules, and Means Test upon request.

    • Make necessary edits as instructed by the attorney.

  9. Attorney Review Support

    • Notify the attorney when the petition is ready for review.

    • If directed, send a copy to the debtor for review prior to signing.

  10. Electronic Filing

    • Submit the bankruptcy petition and related documents to the court via electronic filing if authorized by the attorney.

  11. Additional Filing Support

    • Prepare and file supplemental motions and documents upon attorney request (billed hourly).

  12. Confidentiality & Return of Materials

    • Maintain full confidentiality and return all physical or digital materials upon attorney request.

❌ What We Do Not Offer:

  1. Legal Advice or Representation

    • We do not offer legal advice, interpret bankruptcy laws, or represent clients in court or any legal proceeding.

  2. Independent Debtor Outreach

    • We do not contact debtors unless explicitly authorized by the attorney.

  3. Petition Filing Without Attorney Direction

    • We never draft or file petitions without the attorney’s review and approval.

  4. Final Review & Approval

    • The attorney is solely responsible for reviewing and approving all bankruptcy filings.

  5. Court or Trustee Communication

    • We do not communicate with trustees, courts, or creditors on behalf of the attorney or debtor.

  6. 341 Meeting Preparation

    • We do not walk debtors through what to expect or prepare for their 341 hearing.

  7. Docket Monitoring

    • We do not monitor dockets or provide notifications for court updates or case activity.

  8. Email Management

    • We do not monitor attorney inboxes.

  9. IT or Platform Support

    • We do not provide tech support for MyChapter, NextChapter, or other third-party platforms.

  10. Long-Term Data Storage

    • We do not retain or archive client case data once the service period ends (case is filed).

*All purchases for this service are final. By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree that no refunds will be issued, as outlined in our service agreement

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NextChapter Virtual Paralegal Service Agreement.pdf
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