PLEASE UPDATE YOUR WEB BROWSER


Unsupported Browser
Please try one of the following browsers for a better experience when visiting our website.
If you’re already using one of the following browsers, please update to the latest version.
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Safari

Disclaimer: If you access our website with Internet Explorer,
pages may display poorly, and features may not function as intended.

Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder logo

Unlawful Detainer Assistant

An unlawful detainer assistant is a non-lawyer authorized under state law to assist or advise in the prosecution or defense of an unlawful detainer claim or action, including any bankruptcy petition that may affect the unlawful detainer claim or action.
Registration Requirements

To become an unlawful detainer assistant, you must:

  • Meet certain education and experience requirements (see below)
  • Provide a bond (or cash deposit)
  • Apply in the county in which you work
  • Complete 15 hours of continuing education (renewals only)

Disqualifications

You may not register if any of the following apply to you:

Education/Experience Requirements

You must provide documentation showing that you meet one of four education/experience options:

  1. ABA-Approved Paralegal Program
    1. Education: Graduation from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
    2. Experience: None
    3. Documentation: 1) Certificate/Diploma, 2) proof of ABA approval
  2. Non-ABA-Approved Paralegal Program
    1. Education: Graduation from a paralegal program that is accredited but not approved by the ABA and requires the completion of at least 24-semester units of specialized legal courses
    2. Experience: None
    3. Documentation: 1) Certificate/Diploma, 2) transcripts showing proof of coursework
  3. Bachelor's Degree
    1. Education: A bachelor's degree
    2. Experience: One year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney or one year of experience providing self-help prior to January 1, 1999
    3. Documentation: 1) Diploma, 2) letter from attorney verifying experience required experience, or 3) letter declaring you meet the experience requirement for offering self-help prior to 1999
  4. High School Diploma/GED
    1. Education: A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma
    2. Experience:  Two years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney or two years of experience providing self-help service prior to January 1, 1999
    3. Documentation: 1) Diploma, 2) letter from attorney verifying experience required experience, or 3) letter declaring you meet the experience requirement for offering self-help prior to 1999

You must provide supporting documentation each time you renew. 

Bond/Cash In Lieu
To register as a legal document assistant, you must record a bond or deposit cash in lieu of a bond.                                                                                                      
Bond Requirements
Your bond must include the following information:
  • Name of Surety Company
  • Name of Principal
  • In favor of the State of California
  • Name of County of primary registration
  • Specific term with an expiration date
    • Continuation Certificates require the original recorded bond or certified copy be included with a cover sheet for recording
  • Correct Liability Amount
  Individual UDA   $25,000
Corporation:
  1 - 4 employees   $25,000
  5 - 9 employees   $50,000
  10 or more employees   $100,000

  • Signature and acknowledgment of the surety company or the attorney in fact for the surety company
    o    If signed by an attorney in fact for the surety, a copy of the "Power of Attorney" must be attached to the bond unless the bond indicates it has been executed pursuant to CCP 995.630(b)
  • Principal's signature
  • Filing Fee
Cash in Lieu of Bond
Instead of posting a bond, a UDA registrant may submit a cash deposit. We will keep your deposit in an interest-bearing account and hold it until your expiration date, plus three years.

Other Sources