A Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (also known as an LLP) is a new licensure implemented by the Colorado Supreme Court which required candidates to apply to the Bar and pass a rigorous exam to become an LLP.  LLPs are not attorneys with a general license to practice law but have a limited license to assist clients in their domestic/family law matter.

Analogous to a Nurse Practitioner, an LLP can provide legal assistance, advice and guidance to litigants going through the court process.

Would you be surprised to learn that 75% of people in domestic matters have no representation and are “Pro Se”? LLPs can make a significant difference by making legal services more accessible and affordable to individuals and families.

An LLP can help in so many ways, including:

Access to Justice:  LLPs can assist clients who may not be able to afford an attorney.

Costs/Savings:  LLPs can offer services at lower costs than traditional attorneys by providing a more economical option for clients.

Knowledge and Skill:  Most LLPs have extensive experience in family law.  LLPs bring that specific legal experience to help those clients who have no legal knowledge and help them navigate through the legal process of their family law matter.

• Expertise & Competency – LLPs possess extensive experience and skills in family law.

• Rigorous Certification – Must pass a comprehensive exam covering family law, legal procedures, and ethical standards.

• Educational Requirements – Strong academic background with ongoing legal education.

• Defined Scope of Practice – LLPs handle specific family law matters but do not hold a general license to practice law.

• Affordability – More cost-effective than traditional attorneys, making legal services accessible.

• Court Representation – LLPs can accompany clients to court but have limitations, such as not being able to question witnesses at trial.

• Client Authority – Clients maintain control over the objectives of their representation, similar to working with an attorney.

LLPs can provide assistance in family law matters including Legal Separation, Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage, Dissolution of Marriage, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (or modification), Establishment or Modification of Child Support and/or Maintenance, Protection Orders, Names Changes and Adult Gender Designation Changes.  LLPs can represent clients in mediation and negotiate on behalf of their client and opposing counsel.  LLPs can also appear with their clients at hearings (with some limitations).

*LLPs have a limited license to practice in family law and are not licensed to practice in any other areas of law. To review the full text of this Rule, see [Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 207.1]

LLPs have a limited license to practice in family law and are not licensed to practice in any other areas of law. To review the full text of this Rule, see [Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 207.1]

LLPs Cannot Provide Services for the Following Legal Matters:

• The Registration of Foreign Orders

• Motions for Orders regarding Punitive Contempt Citations under C.R.C.P. 107

• Matters involving disputed common law marriages

• Matters involving disputed parentage

• Matters involving contested Non-Parent request for APR

• Preparation or litigation of Pre or Post Nuptial Agreements

• Matters where a party is beneficiary of a trust

• Contested Jurisdiction

• Preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders ("QDRO")

• Preparation of documentation to effectuate the sale or distribution of assets of a business or commercial property

• Matters involving an expert report or testimony is required to value an asset

• Issues collateral to, but directly affecting, a matter which falls within the LLP's scope of practice when such issues require analysis and advice outside that scope of practice, such as immigration, criminal, and bankruptcy issues that could directly affect the resolution of the matter