Divorces are hard on families, but soon those experiencing the legal process will be able to get help coping through the new Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional program.
The program allows paralegals to assist with family law cases and is intended to bridge the gap for those who find themselves without representation due to financial difficulties.
“It will fill the gap between litigants who have enough money to hire a lawyer and those who are entitled to free assistance. In Colorado, it's a very large group that falls in between – about 75% of cases where neither litigant has an attorney,” said Wes Hassler of the Hassler Law Firm in Pueblo.
As Southern Colorado's representative on the Colorado Supreme Court's Commission on Access to Justice, Hassler is helping get the program off the ground. The program has been adopted by the Colorado Supreme Court, rule changes are being made, and the Colorado Legislature is working to align the laws.
“I think it's very exciting that we're at the end of this process,” Hassler said.
The next step will be a six-hour exam April 30 in Denver for paralegals seeking to earn a licensed legal paraprofessional credential. A total of 75 candidates from across the state registered for the exam, including one of the paralegals from Hassler's office.
The exam will test participants on their knowledge of family law and ethical practices, as well as the legal obligations in which they are authorized to participate. For example, common law marriage cases would be one area where support staff cannot help, and adoptions would be another.
“We will hold the first swearing-in on June 20th for those who have passed the exam,” explained Hassler.
What can a licensed paralegal professional do?
The paraprofessionals can help clients navigate civil family law cases, such as divorce or custody cases, Hassler said.
“They can draft necessary court documents, assist in the courtroom with opening and closing arguments, and fully represent a client during mediation. They are not allowed to question witnesses during a court hearing, but they can assist a client in that process,” Hassler explained.
If a legal issue arises that the assistant professional cannot handle, he can ask a lawyer to step in and help resolve that issue and then continue working on the rest of the case, he said.
The price that a paraprofessional charges for the work is not regulated, so the price is determined by the economy and the market. The costs are an affordable alternative to hiring high-priced lawyers, Hassler said.
Who can become a licensed paralegal?
There are two ways to become a paraprofessional. One is experience-based and depends on the number of hours the paralegal has worked with an attorney, while the other is education-based through a program offered at the Community College of Denver.
Hassler said he fought for a local education program, but “it was ruled out.”
“If the program takes off, perhaps they could expand the courses here at Pueblo Community College or at Colorado State University Pueblo,” he said.
Licensed legal paraprofessionals, or LLPs, can work in a law firm or in their own practice. To learn more about the program, visit the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Counsel website, where an FAQ page describes the details.
The website also has a survey for those interested in becoming licensed legal paraprofessionals.
More about legal assistants:The proposed program would allow paralegals to help Puebloans with divorce and child custody cases
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news and subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
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