Docassemble vs LawHelp Interactive
Docassemble
docassemble.orgLawHelp Interactive
lawhelpinteractive.orgSide by side
| Figure | Docassemble | LawHelp Interactive |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Legal Forms Software | 8.9 (#3) | 7.4 (#21) |
| Integrations | Official installation guidance documents AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, S3-compatible storage, Google, Facebook and Azure sign-in, Google Maps and VoiceRSS connections. | Legal aid organizations and courts can upload interviews created with HotDocs and A2J Author; LHI also supports Neota Logic formats. |
| Purpose | Docassemble is a free, open-source expert system for guided interviews and document assembly. | LawHelp Interactive guides users through questions and uses their answers to prepare legal forms and documents. |
| Security | Interview answers are stored encrypted in the SQL database unless the multi_user variable is True; uploaded and assembled documents are stored without encryption. | LHI says communications with the system and stored answer files are encrypted, while noting that absolute security on the public web is not guaranteed. |
| Support | The project directs users to a community Slack group for help and GitHub issues for bug reports. | Users can submit support requests for general inquiries, technical errors, or problems navigating the site; LHI says it does not provide legal advice or referrals. |
Plans
In their own words
Docassemble
Docassemble is a free, open-source platform for guided interviews and document assembly. An interview can produce downloadable or emailed PDF, RTF or DOCX files, submit applications, interact with APIs or provide information. Authors build interviews with YAML, Markdown and Python logic, and can make questions depend on what information is still needed. Templates can use DOCX or PDF files, with a Word add-in for DOCX workflows. Other listed capabilities include touchscreen signatures, chat, screen sharing, remote screen control, AI, SMS, email, fax, OCR, multilingual interviews and multiuser applications. Developers can extend interviews with Python and connect third-party applications through the API. Deployment options include Docker, Docker Compose, Helm and installation without Docker; the maker recommends Docker. The software has no usage fees, but an internet-hosted server typically costs $10–$40 per month or more. Interview answers are encrypted in the SQL database unless multi_user is True; uploaded and assembled documents are not encrypted.
LawHelp Interactive
LawHelp Interactive is a free web service that turns guided answers into legal forms and documents. People can begin without an account, but registration is required to save work for later. Users can save, edit, email, and print documents, with electronic filing available in some states. Forms address child support and custody, domestic violence, debt collection, foreclosure, eviction, divorce, guardianship, simple wills, small-estate probate, and expungement. Availability depends on state and legal issue, and users may be sent to partner sites. Attorneys, volunteers, and advocates can review client answers, manage case files, and collaborate with clients. Legal aid organizations and courts can upload interviews made with HotDocs or A2J Author, and Neota Logic formats are supported. Communications and stored answer files are encrypted, alongside administrative, software, and physical safeguards. The service does not provide legal advice or referrals. Forms are not currently supported on mobile devices or tablets.