What Is a Certificate in Family Law Paralegal?
A Family Law Paralegal Certificate serves to distinguish paralegals who have passed credentialing examinations in order to demonstrate their specialized knowledge of family law issues and procedures. A Family Law Paralegal Certificate can be a testament to your versatility as a legal professional, showcasing your diverse skill set and specifically your knowledge of family law matters such as divorces, custody disputes, guardianships and adoptions. However , it’s not the exams alone that help paralegals stand out from the competition. These certifications also require a year or more of practical experience supporting attorneys who specialize in family law as well as continuing education credit. A lawyer’s ability to effectively advocate for his or her client is largely dependent on the paralegals who help shoulder the workload. The Family Law Paralegal Certification is an acknowledgement of this essential role.
Advantages of a Family Law Paralegal Certificate
One of the most significant advantages of obtaining a family law paralegal certificate is the increase in job opportunities. Employers are often more interested in hiring paralegals who possess additional certifications, as this demonstrates the desire and commitment to pursue advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Obtaining a family law paralegal certificate is just one way to display that you are willing to invest in yourself. In addition to more job prospects, earning a family law paralegal certificate provides you with specialized skills. It sets you apart from other paralegals by giving you the unique capability to work on family law matters. The curriculum associated with a family law paralegal certification will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to assist with a wide variety of family law issues, including divorce, child custody, and paternity matters. Furthermore, adding a family law paralegal certificate to your name will increase your earning potential. In comparison to paralegals without a certification, paralegals with a family law certificate are generally paid a higher salary. This is because an employer is more likely to hire a paralegal who has specialized knowledge in family law rather than a paralegal who may not have the same knowledge and experience. Lastly, many employers value credentials. Credentials are a reflection of your work ethic and reliability. Obtaining a family law paralegal certificate is a great way to boost your resume.
How to Select the Right Paralegal Certificate Program
When choosing a family law paralegal certificate program, there are several important factors to consider. First, ensure that the program has appropriate accreditation from a recognized body, such as the American Bar Association or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Accreditation is a way of ensuring quality, thereby improving your job prospects.
Second, review the curriculum to make sure it covers all the essential subject areas. Look for coursework in legal writing, legal research, and family law specific topics. Also, check to see if you will be learning about paralegal ethics and possible career paths.
Third, investigate the credentials of the faculty. Instructors who bring hands-on experience to the classroom are arguably able to prepare you better for the real world of family law practice.
Finally, consider whether you would prefer to take your classes online or in a traditional in-person setting, and then compare those options offered by your school.
These are just some of the many factors to think about when considering programs for your family law paralegal certificate.
Typical Curriculum and Course Offerings
Typically, a Family Law Paralegal Certificate includes core courses in subjects integral to the practice of family law. These courses focus on the legal processes and principles involved in various family law matters, as well as key legal documents and terminology. Some common subjects cover:
Divorce proceedings: This course covers the legal dissolution of a marriage, including the initiation of divorce proceedings, filing petitions, and responding to filed documents. Students will learn about commonly filed documents such as divorce petitions, motions (or orders to show cause), and discovery. Critical considerations such as jurisdiction, venue, and residency requirements for divorce actions are addressed.
Child custody: Family law paralegals are often called upon to help clients navigate issues related to child custody, parentage, and visitation rights. This course covers the legal standards governing child custody determinations, as well as the range of custody options available. Students learn how to prepare case-related documents such as custody agreements and visitation schedules.
Spousal and child support: This course deals with the financial obligations of parents and spouses. Students learn how support awards are calculated and enforced, the relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks, and the legal tactics necessary for negotiating and documenting support arrangements.
Property division: Courses in property division may address both the emotional and financial aspects of dividing assets and debts in a divorce. Students learn about the different approaches to property division applied by family courts, and how to draft and file property-related court documents such as property settlement agreements and writs of attachment. Important concepts include community versus separate property, and equitable versus disproportionate division of marital assets.
While each program may differ somewhat, paralegal students can expect that their family law certificate program will cover these and other critical subjects.
Career Possibilities with a Family Law Paralegal Certificate
Earning a paralegal certificate, particularly one focused on family law, can open the door to a variety of career opportunities. The following is a closer look at some of the options available to paralegals who specialize in family law:
Law Firms
Of course, many paralegals with a family law background choose to work in a traditional private setting – that is, at a law firm. Family law paralegals play an integral role in identifying relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents essential to the proper handling of a case. Family law paralegals are also charged with preparing for depositions or other witness actions, interviewing clients and witnesses, and drafting correspondence, pleadings, and appeals. A law firm that specializes in family law will rarely, if ever, question the need for such skilled paraprofessional support.
Government
Because most of the same family law concepts and principles apply to cases handled at government agencies, local courts, and nonprofits, family law paralegals are similarly in demand in the public sector. For example, paralegals specializing in family law may support cases in family courts or probate settings. Paralegals may also work in child protective services or other government organizations where such skills are needed .
Nonprofit
For those with a passion for family law but also a desire to work for a nonprofit organization, a family law paralegal certificate can support such an opportunity. Paralegals are often retained by charities, non-profits, and religious organizations. Such paralegals may assist with drafting key documents for the group, including annual reports, grant applications, newsletters, and specialized presentations. Paralegals may also assist groups in locating and applying for funding, managing paperwork, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Family Court
Family court paralegals support an area of law that has a special or unique interest for them. Many family law paralegals are drawn to their work due to a personal passion for a particular aspect of family law, and they may have plans to pursue advanced studies in the area. Paralegals who work in family court support family law, estate planning, or probate-related cases. Paralegals in the family law setting may work on cases involving divorce, paternity, and adoption. In this capacity, family law paralegals may provide testimony in court to support the work they have done in the office.
Skills and Qualities That Will Help You Succeed
An essential part of finding success as a family law paralegal is having a precise skill set and personal qualities that facilitate your work. These skills are not always something you may learn in paralegal programs, but they can be acquired through dedication and continued study. Here are some of the essential skills and personal qualities you should develop to do your job well:
Attention to Detail
Family law paralegals are constantly dealing with dense filings, discovery documents, and a variety of legal documents. Perfecting your attention to detail will ensure that you are able to clearly review and assess these documents. You should check for the smallest details in each document, from clear typographical errors to inconsistencies within the legal arguments presented.
Empathy
Working with emotionally unstable clients can be exhausting, and every paralegal will have their own unique strategy for helping them cope. However, it’s important that you have some inherent empathy when dealing with clients and their families. While your duties involve the collection of legal filings, parameters, and schedules, you should also deal with client or family member issues as they come up. Clients sometimes are experiencing extreme amounts of emotional pain and they will expect you to deal with them accordingly.
Legal Research Capabilities
While it is not a necessity for family law paralegals to do legal research, especially when working with a family law attorney, it is still essential that you are able to conduct this skill. This can include everything from checking for courts in your jurisdiction to issuing subpoenas. You may even use legal research to help clients with matters on their own, which can help reduce their attorney’s burden.
Communication Skills
Working on any area of law means that you’ll have to communicate with a variety of people. As the first line of communication to clients and opposing parties, family law paralegals need to be able to handle client phone calls, interviews, and all emails. You’ll work with a variety of professionals, such as accountants, medical professionals, and social workers. You’ll be asked to communicate via phone, email, and even face to face with judges and court personnel.
Family law attorneys and paralegals have an extensive amount of work to accomplish on any given day. You can make your job easier by mastering the essential skills and possessing the right qualities to be successful.
Renewing and Maintaining Family Law Paralegal Certifications
The steps for maintaining your family law paralegal certification include, monitoring your status, meeting the renewal requirements, submitting the renewal application and fee and receiving confirmation of renewal. Every year after the issuance of your family law paralegal certification, you will receive an email reminder from NALA letting you know that your status is updated online in the NALA member profile system. You may log into your NALA member profile at any time to verify the status of your certification. You are also required to upload your continuing education credit and payment of renewal fee into NALA’s Certemy System. NALA reviews your information, and then sends a confirmation letter to you,. Additionally, NALA will also send a copy of the confirmation letter to your immediate supervisor, or (if you have designated someone in your firm) to other appropriate firm personnel. Every four years , PACE must be renewed. You are required to earn at least 50 credits during the term. Of the 50 credits earned, 45 credits must be earned through qualifying credit activities. The remaining five renewal credits may consist of various professional activities such as serving as a speaker or author on family law topics, working with a local community service organization, serving as a member of a NALA committee, or holding a paralegal position for a minimum of three months in the two years prior to the renewal date. PACE will notify you via email two months before your certification expires, listing the number of credits earned to date and the number needed for renewal. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to retain certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents to document completion of activities for up to six years after the expiration date. Congratulations on taking a bold step in your career towards becoming a certified family law paralegal!