Learn about Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals and what they can do to assist in family law matters

Starting in June 2024, the Colorado Supreme Court began licensing qualified paralegals and related legal professionals in a limited scope practice in family law matters.  These licensed legal paraprofessionals (“LLPs”) are authorized to practice law and can provide a range of direct client services in marital dissolutions, child support matters, parenting time (often called “child custody”) matters, and certain other matters.  With a handful of exceptions set forth in court rules, LLPs generally can handle such matters without being supervised by an attorney.  See C.R.C.P. 207.1.  Those services include representation in mediation and court hearings.  Additional information, including FAQs, is available at the link provided. 

Selecting a licensed legal practitioner – whether an LLP or a lawyer – to assist in a family law matter is an important decision.  Some clients decide to handle parts of the matter by themselves (also known as “pro se”) and want to hire a professional to help only on the parts they do not or cannot handle.  Some LLPs and lawyers will assist in such situations, often referred to as “unbundled” services.  Clients also may want to consider how complex their matter is, and whether it involves issues that are outside the realm of family law.  This video explains more about what LLPs can do.  This list identifies Colorado LLPs, and their business information can be found in the attorney and LLP registration search function.

LLPs have six-digit registration numbers that begin with the number 6.  LLPs must first pass a family law and ethics exam before getting licensed.  They are required to maintain their registration and continuing legal education requirements, and they must comply with their own Rules of Professional Conduct. 

The Colorado Bar Association’s LLP Committee web page is available at the link provided.