The Colorado Supreme Court recently approved Rule 207 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, establishing the licensure of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). This groundbreaking initiative aims to make legal representation more accessible and affordable, particularly in domestic-relations matters. LLPs offer a more cost-effective option for representation by offering unbundled services, complete packages an uncontested case or by billing $100 to $125 less per hour than attorneys for their services. LLP’s hold a law license to practice family law in Colorado in a limited capacity as follows:
Scope of Practice
LLPs are licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court to perform specific legal services under conditions set by the Court. They do not have a general license to practice law in Colorado. LLPs can represent clients in:
- Legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of marriage or civil union
- Initial allocation or modification of parental responsibility (APR), including parentage determinations
- Establishment or modification of child support and/or maintenance
- Protection orders, name changes, and adult gender designation changes
- Filing and responding to motions for remedial contempt citations under C.R.C.P. 107
Authorized Services
Within their scope of practice, LLPs can:
- Establish contractual relationships with clients
- Interview clients to understand objectives and gather relevant information
- Advise on form selection and completion
- Prepare and complete court-approved documents
- File documents and complete service
- Review and explain documents from other parties or pension/retirement plans
- Advocate for clients in negotiations and mediations
- Communicate with other parties or their representatives
- Explain court orders affecting client’s rights and obligations
- Provide support during court proceedings (excluding witness examination)
- Advise on additional resources or requirements
If a matter goes to hearing, an attorney must be assigned to take testimony before the Court
Limitations
LLPs are not authorized to represent clients in matters involving or requiring:
- Registration of foreign orders
- Punitive contempt citations
- Disputed common law marriage matters
- Complex parentage disputes
- Contested non-parent APR requests
- Pre- or post-nuptial agreements
- Trust-related matters
- Jurisdiction contests
- Preparation of QDROs or complex asset distribution documents
- Expert valuation
- Collateral issues outside LLP scope (e.g., immigration, criminal, bankruptcy)
The majority of work done by the LLP is flat fee based, meaning you pay one time and all work is covered under the one fee. There are some exceptions to this rule which we would be happy to discuss with you.
Please reach out to our firm if you need assistance on a few items or the whole case.
