Paralegal in Family Law
Family law paralegals fill the legal assistant role in family law offices and firms. They often serve as liaisons between attorneys and clients on family law matters such as divorce, marriage contracts, child custody and support.
Other People Are Reading
-
Job Duties
-
Family law paralegals work on most aspects of clients' cases, except for court proceedings, consultations and the practice of law, which must be done by attorneys. Their duties can include interacting with clients during intake and interviews, drafting family law forms, motions and other court documents, analyzing financial information related to property division or support and assisting with trial preparation.
Education and Training
-
According to the National Federation for Paralegal Associations, 84 percent of paralegals have at least some formal paralegal education through programs offering degrees or certificates. Paralegal education options include two-year and four-year college degrees as well as post-baccalaureate professional certificates. Paralegals who want to work in a specific field, such as family law, should considered specialized training related to practice area.
-
Average Salaries
-
Salaries for family law paralegals vary depending on the employee's education, training and experience, as well as on the employer's type, size and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary of full-time paralegals and legal assistants was $46,120 as of May 2008.
Professional Associations
-
Membership in professional associations can be helpful for family law paralegals. While intended for law students and attorneys, the American Bar Association's family law section offers continuing education, legal news and networking opportunities that can also benefit paralegals. There are also resources specifically for paralegals such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants.
-
References
- ParalegalTalent: Family Law Paralegal
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations: What is a Paralegal?
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations: Getting Started: Domestic Relations/Family Law
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
Resources
- Photo Credit professional beauty image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com
