As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), a Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience, to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, government agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.
Paralegals are proficient in conducting investigations, performing legal research, and preparing pleadings, discovery demands, motions, and briefs without the assistance of an attorney. Courts throughout the United States are cognizant of this and, as a result, fees for paralegal services may now be recoverable in most cases wherever an award of attorney's fees or costs is available.
A paralegal may assist or represent someone before certain government agencies when that agency’s rules specifically allow it. Many administrative bodies permit trained nonlawyers to prepare documents, communicate with the agency, and guide clients through procedural steps, even though only licensed attorneys may appear in court or provide legal advice. For clients, this means you can rely on a qualified paralegal for agency matters that authorize non‑attorney participation, offering accessible support while still protecting your legal rights.
Paralegals in Massachusetts are exempt from private detective licensing under M.G.L. c.147 § 23. This law allows paralegals to gather information, interview witnesses, and assist with case preparation as part of their work for an attorney, law office, or government agency without needing a private investigator license.
Paralegals are proficient in conducting investigations, performing legal research, and preparing pleadings, discovery demands, motions, and briefs without the assistance of an attorney. Courts throughout the United States are cognizant of this and, as a result, fees for paralegal services may now be recoverable in most cases wherever an award of attorney's fees or costs is available.
A paralegal may assist or represent someone before certain government agencies when that agency’s rules specifically allow it. Many administrative bodies permit trained nonlawyers to prepare documents, communicate with the agency, and guide clients through procedural steps, even though only licensed attorneys may appear in court or provide legal advice. For clients, this means you can rely on a qualified paralegal for agency matters that authorize non‑attorney participation, offering accessible support while still protecting your legal rights.
Paralegals in Massachusetts are exempt from private detective licensing under M.G.L. c.147 § 23. This law allows paralegals to gather information, interview witnesses, and assist with case preparation as part of their work for an attorney, law office, or government agency without needing a private investigator license.
In Massachusetts paralegals may even represent people in Small Claims actions pursuant to the Uniform Small Claims Rule 7(e), which states: "non-attorneys shall be allowed to assist parties in the presentation or defense of their cases when, in the judgment of the court, such assistance would facilitate the presentation or defense." Depending on your case, our paralegals may assist you in this capacity.
In conclusion, retaining an independent paralegal is profitable to law firms, furthers public policy and provides quality legal services to the general public at a fair rate. Please note, however, that if you decide to use an independent paralegal, you must remember that we ARE NOT attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice.
In conclusion, retaining an independent paralegal is profitable to law firms, furthers public policy and provides quality legal services to the general public at a fair rate. Please note, however, that if you decide to use an independent paralegal, you must remember that we ARE NOT attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice.
PARALEGAL SERVICES OFFERED:
Public Records Search
Need to conduct a search for criminal, bankruptcy, death, UCC or other type of public record? Our paralegals are experienced in conducting public records searches. Each search is $69.00 with a 24-hour turn-around which includes a copy of the results. Or, for an instantaneous response, $99.00. The following public records searches are available:
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We reserve the right to charge additional for extraordinary circumstances (for example, you need to search a common name like "John Smith" and you have no date of birth or social security number to enable us to do the search in a time effective manner).
Please note that we are not private investigators or detectives. We perform public records searches directly for members of the public except for the following (unless if you're an attorney who has delegated these tasks to us):
Please note that we are not private investigators or detectives. We perform public records searches directly for members of the public except for the following (unless if you're an attorney who has delegated these tasks to us):
- A crime or wrong done or threatened or assumed to have been done or threatened against the Government of the United States of America, or any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States
- The identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, reputation or character of any person, association, organization, society or groups of persons, firms or corporations
- The credibility of witnesses or other persons
- The whereabouts of missing persons
- The location or recovery of lost or stolen property
- The causes and origin of, or responsibility for, fires, libels, accidents, damage, injuries or losses to persons, firms, associations or corporations, or to real or personal property
- The affiliation, connection or relations of any person, firm or corporation with any organization, society, association, or with any official member or representative thereof
- The conduct, honesty, efficiency, loyalty or activities of employees, agents, contractors and subcontractors.
- The securing of evidence to be used before any investigating committee, board of award, board of arbitration or in the trial of any civil or criminal case.
Subpoena Services
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Massachusetts Notaries Public are authorized under Rule 45 of the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure (Mass.R.Civ.P. 45) to issue subpoenas requiring someone to:
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Notaries may also issue subpoenas for state agency hearings, including the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, etc. This authority is derived from M.G.L. c. 30A § 12(3).
Under M.G.L. c. 233 § 1, notaries, justices of the peace, and clerks of court may issue witness summonses for civil matters and administrative proceedings. Criminal‑case summonses may only be issued at the request of the Attorney General, District Attorney, or counsel for the Commonwealth or the defendant.
While notaries have the authority to issue subpoenas and summonses, these documents must be drafted correctly to comply with court and agency rules. Improperly issued documents can be rejected.
Our Network includes degreed paralegals, ensuring your subpoena or summons is properly drafted, issued, and prepared for service. Our notaries function as trained legal support professionals—not “bank notaries.” Complete the request form and we will promptly prepare, issue, and arrange service of your subpoena or summons.
Under M.G.L. c. 233 § 1, notaries, justices of the peace, and clerks of court may issue witness summonses for civil matters and administrative proceedings. Criminal‑case summonses may only be issued at the request of the Attorney General, District Attorney, or counsel for the Commonwealth or the defendant.
While notaries have the authority to issue subpoenas and summonses, these documents must be drafted correctly to comply with court and agency rules. Improperly issued documents can be rejected.
Our Network includes degreed paralegals, ensuring your subpoena or summons is properly drafted, issued, and prepared for service. Our notaries function as trained legal support professionals—not “bank notaries.” Complete the request form and we will promptly prepare, issue, and arrange service of your subpoena or summons.
Skip Trace / People Search
Skip tracing is the investigative process a paralegal or process server uses to locate an individual who is difficult to find or intentionally avoiding service. It involves reviewing public records, databases, social media activity, prior addresses, employment information, and other lawful data sources to identify a person’s current location. We use a secure, law-enforcement-grade database to help locate individuals quickly and accurately. This system provides up-to-date details such as marital status, current address, employer information, and other helpful data. The cost for a basic skip trace is $25.00 per person.
Videography of Rental Property
FOR LANDLORDS: Protect your investment by documenting the condition of your property before and/or after a tenancy. If a tenant causes damage, you’ll have clear, time‑stamped evidence from a disinterested witness to support your claim should you need to pursue compensation in court.
FOR TENANTS: If you’ve ever been unfairly blamed for property damage, proper documentation can protect you. A detailed, third‑party record of the property’s condition helps demonstrate that you did not cause the alleged damage, should legal action become necessary.
Pricing
Pricing
- Flat Fee: $75.00
- Hourly Rate: $50.00 per hour
POLICE MISCONDUCT
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Our lead service providers have been approved to assist the Police Complaint Center (PCC) in matters involving alleged police misconduct. Our founder has established a volunteer relationship with PCC representatives, allowing our network to support clients who believe they have experienced improper conduct by law enforcement.
These services may include, but are not limited to:
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- Racial Profiling Assessments If you believe an officer or department is engaging in racial profiling, our investigators can conduct discreet, controlled tests to evaluate whether the concern is supported by observable behavior.
- Officer Conduct Testing Officers are trained to maintain professionalism under pressure. If an officer is known to lose composure or act inappropriately, our paralegal investigators can perform a controlled test to assess the officer’s response.
- Advocacy & Accompaniment Paralegals are permitted to assist individuals before government agencies, including police departments. If you wish to bring your concerns to a supervisor or command staff, we can accompany you to ensure your rights are respected during the process.
In 2020, The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission was created as part of the state’s police reform law. Its purpose is to strengthen public trust and ensure consistent, professional policing across the Commonwealth. They are the authority that investigates cases of police misconduct. Our paralegals can assist you with bringing your complaint to their attention and ensuring they assist you in accordance with their policies and rules under 555 CMR 1.00, et al. We also have the authority to issue Subpoenas in the name of the agency when and if your case is heard by a commissioner under M.G.L. c. 30A § 12(3).
Legal Document Preparation
Handling your own legal matters is fully permitted under Massachusetts law, and many individuals choose to use self‑help resources, books, and legal form services to manage their personal affairs. Independent Paralegal Services provides an affordable alternative for clients who want access to the legal system without the high cost of traditional representation. We are a non-attorney, client-directed legal document preparation service. All work is completed under the direct guidance and instruction of the client who remains fully responsible for all legal decisions. Our role is limited to preparing and typing documents exactly as instructed and in the proper format that complies with court rules.
We are not attorneys. We do not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal representation. If a matter requires the assistance of a licensed attorney, we will promptly refer clients to an attorney with whom we maintain a professional relationship.
We are not attorneys. We do not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal representation. If a matter requires the assistance of a licensed attorney, we will promptly refer clients to an attorney with whom we maintain a professional relationship.
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Divorce:
Simple....................................... $200.00 With Property........................... $275.00 With Child................................. $300.00 Property & Child....................... $300.00 Name Change: Individual................................ $175.00 Child........................................ $175.00 Family...................................... $350.00 Wills: Simple.................................... $100.00 Joint....................................... $165.00 Living Wills............................ $75.00 Other Documents: Prenuptial............................. $175.00 Power of Attorney................ $100.00 All others*............................ $25.00 (single page forms/documents) |
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*The actual fee is determined by the complexity, length and turn-around time. The minimum fee is $25 per single form/document.
Attorney Referrals
If a matter we handle develops into something that constitutes the practice of law, we will immediately involve one of our network attorneys to provide the required legal assistance and ensure the case proceeds in full compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.
You can verify whether a Massachusetts attorney is licensed to practice law, or check if any disciplinary actions or complaints have been issued against them, by conducting an online search through the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.
You can verify whether a Massachusetts attorney is licensed to practice law, or check if any disciplinary actions or complaints have been issued against them, by conducting an online search through the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.
Court Filing - In Person and/or E-File
If you’re unable to file your time‑sensitive documents on your own—whether due to a busy schedule or uncertainty about the filing process—our legal support professionals can handle it for you. We charge a flat $50.00 per court appearance, regardless of the number of documents that need to be filed. The fee covers our time and travel to the courthouse.
E‑filing (electronic filing) is the process of submitting court documents to Massachusetts courts online instead of delivering paper copies in person or by mail. Through the Massachusetts e-file system, parties can file pleadings, motions, exhibits, and other required documents electronically, allowing the court to receive and process filings more quickly and efficiently. When available, we can e‑File your documents on your behalf. A confirmation will be emailed to you once the filing is accepted.
E‑filing (electronic filing) is the process of submitting court documents to Massachusetts courts online instead of delivering paper copies in person or by mail. Through the Massachusetts e-file system, parties can file pleadings, motions, exhibits, and other required documents electronically, allowing the court to receive and process filings more quickly and efficiently. When available, we can e‑File your documents on your behalf. A confirmation will be emailed to you once the filing is accepted.
Small Claims Information
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Pursuant to Uniform Small Claims Rule 7(e) — which provides that “non‑attorneys shall be allowed to assist parties in the presentation or defense of their cases when, in the judgment of the court, such assistance would facilitate the presentation or defense” — our paralegals are available to assist you with your small claims matter.
We can guide you through each step of the process and help you stay organized, prepared, and confident. Please remember that paralegals are not attorneys, are not licensed to practice law, and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, success in small claims court depends on meeting the preponderance of the evidence standard. We can help you present your documents, facts, and supporting materials clearly and effectively. |
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Witness & Affidavit Services
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Witnesses can make or break a case. At IPS, we understand the value of credible, unbiased witnesses—especially “friendly” witnesses who can support your version of events without appearing influenced. When you provide us with the details of your situation, our paralegal investigators can return to the scene, canvass the area, and identify individuals who may have seen what happened. It is always best to have a neutral, experienced professional conduct this type of investigation. If you attempt to locate witnesses yourself, it may appear as though you shaped or influenced their testimony.
Example Scenario: Imagine someone punches you in the Main Street area, breaking your nose. As a result, you incur medical bills and lose time from work. You want to recover your financial losses and sue the assailant. But you have a problem:
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Is this a strong case? Not without corroboration. That’s where professional witness investigation becomes essential.
How Can IPS Assist
Our paralegals will revisit the location of the incident, determine where potential witnesses may have been, and interview individuals in the area. If witnesses are identified, IPS will dispatch one of our Notaries Public to take a written affidavit (witness statement). In accordance with Massachusetts law, the notary will properly record the identification information of each affiant.
After Your lawsuit is Filed
Once your complaint is filed with the court, our paralegals can continue assisting you with additional litigation support. If you need witnesses subpoenaed, we can draft and issue the necessary documents. One of our process servers can then serve the subpoena or order on each witness as required.
How Can IPS Assist
Our paralegals will revisit the location of the incident, determine where potential witnesses may have been, and interview individuals in the area. If witnesses are identified, IPS will dispatch one of our Notaries Public to take a written affidavit (witness statement). In accordance with Massachusetts law, the notary will properly record the identification information of each affiant.
After Your lawsuit is Filed
Once your complaint is filed with the court, our paralegals can continue assisting you with additional litigation support. If you need witnesses subpoenaed, we can draft and issue the necessary documents. One of our process servers can then serve the subpoena or order on each witness as required.
Mediation / Negotiation
Mediation is a voluntary process where two or more people work together to reach a mutual agreement. IPS provides neutral, out-of-court mediation, helping parties communicate, understand each other’s concerns, and work toward their own resolution. We facilitate the discussion but do not make decisions or offer legal advice.
Common Areas for Mediation
What Mediation Involves
Important Notes
Fees
Mediation services range from $250-$850, depending on the complexity of the matter.
Common Areas for Mediation
- Family: Prenuptial agreements, budgeting issues, separation/divorce, asset division, spousal support, parenting plans, adult family conflicts
- Housing & Property: Landlord–tenant issues, contractor/homeowner disputes, real estate disagreements
- Contracts & Organizations: Contract disputes, nonprofit conflicts, faith‑community
What Mediation Involves
- A dispute or decision‑making need
- Parties retaining full control over the outcome
- Willingness to negotiate and discuss goals
- Guidance from a neutral third party
Important Notes
- We do not issue binding decisions or contracts.
- We do not provide legal advice and are not attorneys.
- We can prepare your agreement in writing and, as a Notary Public, take your acknowledgment that it is your free act and deed.
Fees
Mediation services range from $250-$850, depending on the complexity of the matter.
Notice of Trespass Services
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If you are experiencing a problem with an individual, Massachusetts law allows you to lawfully prohibit that person from entering your property or place of business. Under M.G.L. c. 266 § 120, a person may be arrested for trespass only if he or she has been clearly notified—either by posted signage or by direct written notice—that entry onto your property is forbidden.
Our paralegals can prepare a notarized Notice of Trespass (NTP) and arrange for service by a certified process server or constable. Once the notice is served in-hand to the individual, you will receive the original document along with a formal proof of service. If the individual returns to your property after being served, you may contact the police to request enforcement and potential arrest. |
Massachusetts Separation Agreement
A Separation Agreement is a legally binding contract created by spouses after marriage to resolve all outstanding marital issues in anticipation of divorce. It establishes the legal end of the parties’ relationship as spouses and sets out their rights and obligations after the divorce becomes final. In every non-adversarial (uncontested), no fault divorce in Massachusetts, the parties must submit a signed and notarized Separation Agreement to the Probate and Family Court for judicial approval.
Separation Agreements are authorized by statute—specifically M.G.L. c. 208 § 1A, the same law that created the Massachusetts uncontested no‑fault divorce process. Before a divorce can be granted, a judge must review the Separation Agreement and determine that it is "fair and reasonable."
Once the parties sign a Separation Agreement before a Notary Public, it becomes an enforceable contract. At the divorce hearing, if the judge finds the agreement to be “fair and reasonable,” it is incorporated into the divorce judgment and becomes both:
If, however, the judge determines that the agreement is not “fair and reasonable,” the Separation Agreement is rejected, becomes null and void, and no longer has any legal effect.
Massachusetts law requires every Separation Agreement to address the following core issues:
Separation Agreements are authorized by statute—specifically M.G.L. c. 208 § 1A, the same law that created the Massachusetts uncontested no‑fault divorce process. Before a divorce can be granted, a judge must review the Separation Agreement and determine that it is "fair and reasonable."
Once the parties sign a Separation Agreement before a Notary Public, it becomes an enforceable contract. At the divorce hearing, if the judge finds the agreement to be “fair and reasonable,” it is incorporated into the divorce judgment and becomes both:
- a binding contract, and
- a court order enforceable by the court’s contempt powers.
If, however, the judge determines that the agreement is not “fair and reasonable,” the Separation Agreement is rejected, becomes null and void, and no longer has any legal effect.
Massachusetts law requires every Separation Agreement to address the following core issues:
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We offer professionally prepared Separation Agreements that are easy to complete and fully compliant with Massachusetts law. Each agreement addresses all required topics and is available in either PDF or Word format. Pricing
To purchase a Separation Agreement, please contact us by email. |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: We are not attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot provide or accept fees for legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney. If you need assistance locating an attorney, we can help connect you with one. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as legal advice. Most paralegal services are available only to attorneys or may be performed only under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. Our services are intended for Massachusetts residents.
