CSP004 - Family Law Concentration
7314012
Delivery Options
In Person
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Course Description
Prepare to make a meaningful contribution in one of the most dynamic and impactful areas of legal practice. This comprehensive program equips current and aspiring paralegals with the background knowledge, procedural expertise and practical skills needed to support attorneys in family law settings.
You will explore a wide range of essential topics, including types of marriages, marital property rights, property agreements prior to and during marriage, child custody related matters such as conservatorship, possession/access, child support calculation, and the legal processes for divorce, adoption and termination of parental rights. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, you'll learn how to draft pleadings and discovery, assist in pre-trial planning, and navigate each step of the family law case lifecycle.
In addition to building a solid procedural foundation, the program also addresses the human side of family law. You'll develop the interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively and professionally in high-stakes, emotionally charged situations—an important aspect of supporting clients through complex family transitions.
This course may also assist students pursuing paralegal certification in Texas for the Family Law Specialty Exam through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, by covering key areas of knowledge and professional responsibility emphasized on the exam.
Whether you're new to the legal field or looking to specialize, this program prepares you to be a competent, confident, and compassionate paralegal who is ready to contribute meaningfully in family law firms, court systems or legal aid organizations.
Key Program Benefits
- Gain hands-on legal knowledge applicable to real-world family law practices.
- Build a strong foundation in drafting and procedural law to support attorneys effectively.
- Learn how to navigate complex family dynamics and court proceedings with confidence.
- Stand out to employers by showcasing a comprehensive understanding of family law topics and litigation processes and procedures.
- Be prepared to contribute meaningfully to divorce, custody, support and adoption cases both to support attorneys and assist with the timely resolution client concerns.
Course Outline
Program Expectations
- Attend weekly live sessions
Engage with instructors and peers in real time to ask questions, discuss real-world scenarios and deepen your understanding of key family law concepts.
- Complete course projects and assignments
Apply what you learn through hands-on exercises and case studies that mirror the tasks and responsibilities of working paralegals in family law cases.
Learner Outcomes
Understand the paralegal’s role, responsibilities and nuances in a family law case
Identify and distinguish the types and requirements of marital relationships, including ceremonial marriage, informal marriage, putative marriage and same sex marriage.
Understand and distinguish the types of marital property and the rights over various property acquired prior to and during the marriage.
Explain the differences between agreements in family law cases, including agreements incident to divorce, premarital agreements, postmarital agreements and mediated settlement agreements.Distinguish and apply the steps in a case for the dissolution of marriage in cases with and without children.
Draft pleadings and discovery in a family law case.
Understand child support calculations and enforcement actions.
Assist in pre-trial planning and proof for dividing and confirming marital property.
Explain the types and use of temporary orders and final relief in a family law case.
Understand the venue and jurisdictional arguments for families who have relocated or wish to relocate.Identify distinct actions in family law cases including suits to determine parentage, adoption (including step-parent adoption) and termination of parental rights.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion, showcase your achievement with a Family Law Concentration and digital badge, an excellent addition to your resume or professional portfolio.
Recommendations
Who Should Attend
- New or aspiring paralegals who want to build a strong foundation in family law and gain practical, job-ready skills to support family lawyers.
- Current paralegals working in family law who want to deepen their family law related knowledge and strengthen their expertise in case preparation and client support.
- Legal professionals transitioning into family law from other practice areas who want to understand the unique procedures and emotional dynamics of this field.
- Students in paralegal studies programs who want to complement their academic training with concentrated knowledge in family law.
- Individuals considering a legal career or exploring whether family law aligns with their interests and strengths.
- Legal support staff or administrative professionals in law offices who want a better understanding of family law cases and terminology to enhance their roles.
- Those preparing for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Family Law Exam who want a comprehensive overview of core concepts and processes.
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