A divorce paralegal is a person who assists attorneys with family law cases, specifically focusing on those that involve divorce and legal issues that arise from it. For example, a divorce paralegal may help lawyers handle separation, child custody, and child support cases in addition to uncomplicated divorces. An individual with this title usually takes on many tasks that require legal knowledge, but aren’t critical for a lawyer to complete himself. This often involves handling initial meetings with clients; doing legal research; verifying case information; filing paperwork and legal documents; and serving as a communication liaison between divorce clients and their lawyers.
Usually, a divorce paralegal performs a wide range of tasks on behalf of an attorney who specializes in divorce. He typically works to help the divorce lawyer have more time for other tasks by taking on those that do not require a license to practice law. Often, this involves a good deal of communication with people who are in various stages of divorce. For example, a person with this title may interview or screen clients at the beginning of a case and take notes that may prove helpful as the lawyer proceeds with a case. He may serve as a communication middleman between clients and their lawyers, which may involve taking messages and answering questions that aren’t critical for a lawyer to answer himself.
A divorce paralegal may also handle many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that have to be completed during a divorce case. For example, he may perform important research, such as looking for evidence that may help the lawyer build a case or pinpointing the whereabouts of the defendant so he can be served with divorce papers. He may also work to locate and verify assets and debts that may be important to the financial aspects of the case. This professional may also seek confirmation that the defendant in the case has a job, as this may be important when alimony and child support are involved.
Much of a divorce paralegal’s job involves paperwork. A person in this field may be required to ensure that the client and other parties to a case receive paperwork on time. He may also ensure that the client fills out any necessary paperwork completely. In many cases, a person with this title is also responsible for filing documents with the court and keeping up with deadlines for filing and serving documents.
The manner in which a person becomes a divorce paralegal may depend on the jurisdiction in which he works and the preferences of employers in his area. Many jurisdictions do not have ironclad standards a person has to meet in order to become a divorce paralegal. Instead, there are usually two basic ways in which a person can qualify for this job. He may complete a paralegal education program or gain experience through work in a legal office. Often, employers prefer new hires who are educated in the field, and some prefer those who’ve earned certification as well.
