Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLP) - Colorado Divorce

I was interested recently to learn that in Colorado divorce cases, 75% of people do not have lawyers – they go to court on their own. The general reason is that people either don’t want to use a lawyer, or they think that lawyers are too expensive or too contentious, or all of those things.

The Colorado Courts have been working on a solution, and the result is the creation of a new type of legal representative called a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP). LLPs are generally experienced paralegals who have taken additional training and a specific LLP Bar exam to qualify to be licensed to practice family law in Colorado, with some limitations.

We have created a list of several of the new LLPs here: Colorado LLP List.

LLPs represent a significant shift in the landscape of family law representation. They are authorized to advise and represent clients across a spectrum of family law matters, including pivotal issues such as marital or civil union dissolutions, legal separations, parental responsibility allocations, child support disputes, name changes, protective orders, adult gender designation changes, and remedial contempt proceedings.

The role of the LLP extends beyond mere advisory capacity. An LLP is equipped to provide comprehensive assistance, ranging from offering legal counsel and guidance to the meticulous preparation and filing of court documents. They will also play a crucial role in facilitating mediation processes aimed at resolving disputes amicably. Moreover, subject to certain limitations, LLPs can represent clients in hearings, thereby providing a holistic legal support system.

While LLPs possess the expertise to handle most non-complex family law matters, there are specific issues that may come up in a case where their a licensed attorney’s assistance would be necessary.

This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive adept legal assistance while upholding standards of professional conduct and ethical integrity.

To qualify as an LLP, individuals must meet educational and experiential requirements, as well as undergo rigorous evaluation in the areas of family law and legal ethics. This entails demonstrating proficiency through the successful completion of the Colorado LLP Bar. Only upon meeting these stringent criteria are LLPs granted licensure, thereby ensuring they possess the requisite knowledge and competence to navigate family law legal scenarios effectively.

LLPs introduce the availability of a more accessible and affordable legal service paradigm. This innovation holds particular significance for people who cannot afford full attorney representation. By offering a cost-effective alternative, LLPs make access to legal assistance more easily available, empowering a broader spectrum of clients to assert their rights and navigate the intricacies of the legal system effectively.

More information on LLPs

Recently updated by Laura Landon, LLP