The Colorado Supreme Court has approved a new paraprofessional program that will allow some non-attorneys to practice limited family law, the state Judicial Department announced Monday.
The justices agreed to create a licensed legal paraprofessional program that will allow licensed non-attorneys to represent clients in some divorce and child custody cases. The move makes Colorado one of just a handful states with such programs.
Proponents say the paraprofessional program will offer litigants a more affordable option than traditional representation by an attorney and will decrease the number of people in the family law court system who appear without any representation. Opponents worry the paraprofessionals will be ill-equipped to handle legal matters.
Under the newly-approved plan, candidates will be required to pass a written exam and meet certain educational requirements in order to become licensed legal paraprofessionals. Candidates must have completed at least 1,500 hours of “substantive law-related practical experience,” including 500 hours focused on family law during the three years prior to sitting for the exam.
Once licensed, the paraprofessionals will be allowed to file some pleadings and represent their clients in mediation. The licensed legal paraprofessionals can accompany their clients to court but cannot present argument or examine witnesses.
Paraprofessionals will be required to complete annual ongoing education and will be disciplined and grieved like attorneys; they will also be subject to professional ethical rules.
Chief Justice Brian Boatright said in a statement Monday that the new program is aimed at “ensuring access to justice for all Coloradans.”
“Allowing non-lawyers to provide limited legal representation for people who otherwise couldn’t afford it will not only help those litigants, but it will help the courts efficiently and effectively handle their cases,” he said in the statement.
The first licensed legal paraprofessionals could be licensed in July 2024, according to the Judicial Department.
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