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Licensed Paralegal - Family Law
A Licensed Paralegal is authorized by the State of Oregon to perform limited legal services within a defined and endorsed scope of practice. Our licensed paralegals can assist with case planning, research, guidance, coaching and drafting, and filing of legal documents.
What Can Licensed Paralegals Do?
- Enter into a contractual relationship to represent a client. For Family Law cases, this would be limited to representing individuals.
- Meet with potential clients to evaluate and determine needs and goals and provide advice.
- Assist clients in choosing, drafting, and filing forms.
- Assist clients in drafting and servicing of pleadings and documents including orders and judgments.
- File documents/pleadings with the court.
- Assist, draft, serve and complete written discovery.
- Attend depositions but not take or defend them. LPs may assist with scheduling and compelling deposition appearances and preparing clients for being deposed and for taking a deposition.
- Prepare for, participate in, and represent a party in settlement discussions, including mediation.
- Assist in preparing for hearings, trials, and arbitrations.
- Prepare clients for court appearances and for judicial settlement conferences
- Attend court appearances and depositions with clients to provide support and assistance in procedural matters.
- Respond to the court on behalf of clients to inquiries when requested.
- Review opinion letters, court orders, and notices with a client and explain how they affect the client including the right to appeal.
LPs May Usually Assist With:
- Dissolution of marriage.
- Separation or Annulment.
- Custody and Parenting time.
- Child support and Spousal support.
- Remedial contempt (excluding confinement).
LPs may not assist with:
- Adoption or Juvenile cases.
- Most appeals.
- Restraining Order (FAPA) cases.
- Matters involving Stalking Protective Orders.
- Modifications of custody, parenting time, or child support when the initial court order originates outside Oregon.
- Premarital or Postnuptial agreements.
- Divorce matters related to defined benefit plans or deferred compensation plans.
- Divorce matters related to the military retirement division.