North Valley Paralegal

Personal Life

Nancy Green owns and runs North Valley Paralegal at 501 B Street, Suite 4, Marysville, CA 95901. She is a legal document preparer who specializes in family law, trust and wills, grants, and deeds. Nancy is also a California Notary Public and traveling notary. Sandy Hill works with Nancy as a legal document preparer. Prior to establishing her company in 1994, Nancy served part-time for two years as a paralegal for a law firm. She then worked full-time for four years as a paralegal at another law firm. Nancy has twenty-eight years experience as a legal staff member, and nineteen of those years have been devoted to successfully running her business in the Golden State.


She was born and raised in Yuba City, CA. Nancy earned her paralegal degree from Sacramento Trade School. She has been married for twenty years and has three children.

When the legal document preparer isn't working, she enjoys gardening and growing flowers. Nancy also loves collecting antiques and she sells them every Saturday at Red Tire Antiques in the Yuba City mall. She is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. Nancy is a frequent visitor of Yuba City's Dancing Tomato Café.

Nancy's Successful Business and Tips for Legal Document Preparers

Why did Nancy decide to become a legal document preparer? She said she was always interested in the law. However, a TV ad which stated that the paralegal and paramedic fields would be booming in the future motivated Nancy to become a legal document preparer. She added, "After I graduated with my paralegal degree, everything just fell into place."

What is the number one reason why people get a divorce? "Couples don't take the time to work things out. I don't know if that's because of years of unhappiness. People also change in there twenties when they are in their forties. You have to work together in order to make a marriage work."

The businesswoman discussed the best part about her job. "Helping people."

Nancy also discussed why she appreciates working for herself. "I enjoy my freedom and the flexibility of my schedule."

What is the legal document preparer known for professionally? "I am known for my friendly service. I am also known to mediate and help my clients. I can't make everyone happy in a divorce. I can only make them a little bit happier."

When asked what she thinks about the paralegal field in Northern California, Nancy replied, "It's hard work. There is a difference between a paralegal who works with an attorney and an independent paralegal who works on their own. People need help, but they can't afford an attorney. Marysville is a low income area and there are no jobs available."

What would she change about the legal field? "I wish couples and attorneys wouldn't fight in court over child custody. It should be handled through mediation."

Since Nancy has nineteen years of experience as an owner of North Valley Paralegal, many readers may be wondering what advice she has for new legal staff members. "Don't give up. If it's your dream to be a paralegal, keep working hard until you have a foot in the door. Don't give up. Talk to your friends and others because somebody needs a paralegal."

What advice would the businesswoman give to students who are thinking about becoming a legal staff member? "Make sure it's what you want to do because it's hard work. Find an attorney or paralegal to mentor and help you. You should have experience so you can build your resume." Nancy noted that it's impossible for attorneys or paralegals to teach individuals everything about the law. Paralegals should keep their options open regarding what field to specialize in. However, Nancy pointed out that if a paralegal practices civil litigation with an attorney, they will most likely specialize in this field. She claimed, "If you are bored with your field, you need to specialize in another field."

Does Nancy have an opinion of Northern California's legal market? "It's tough here. There aren't a lot of attorneys in Marysville. If paralegals want a higher paying job, they should search in Sacramento or Chico."

Where does she see herself in five years? "I will be semi-retired, but I will continue to run my business."

If Nancy weren't a legal document preparer, what would she be doing? She jokingly said, "I would be a greeter at Walmart." Nancy explained the downside of being a greeter at Walmart. She stated that her clients would come up to her and ask for family law advice. When Nancy and her husband shop at the grocery store, her clients frequently ask her for her advice.

Why does she find her position rewarding? "I enjoy talking to people and helping them get through their tough situations."

Nancy's Mentors and Mentoring Others, Volunteer Activities and Her Goals

Does Nancy have a mentor? Is she a mentor? "I have a circle of attorneys who are my friends and they give great advice." Nancy is currently mentoring a Hispanic Associate who has been working part-time at North Valley Paralegal for two years. Her apprentice regularly assists Spanish-speaking clients.

Is she involved with any volunteer activities? Nancy loves animals and she supports the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA "is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty towards animals."

Is there a downside to her position? "There is a lot of stress because you are dealing with people's problems."
Does the Californian have goals? "Personally, to be happy in life and married to my lovely husband. Professionally, I am committed to my clients and I will continue to provide them with my service."
  *** Nancy Green is not an attorney and can't give legal advice. ***