When you obtain a degree in paralegal studies or a similar program, you may face considerations about the right career path for your goals. In some cases, you will have offers to become a divorce paralegal. The challenge is determining when it is an appropriate option for your career path.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
Paralegal divorce services often start with legal documents. A paralegal may prepare documents for separation and divorce, as well as documents related to legal custody of children and the division of property among both parties. Paralegal divorce help also focuses on disclosure statements and discovery packages that relate to the divorce proceedings.
The paperwork involved in a divorce case may include a variety of documents, judgments, motions, and other details. As a divorce paralegal, you ensure that any relevant paperwork is filed with the court.
Performing Legal Research Under a Lawyer’s Supervision
While a divorce paralegal may take on the task of handling the paperwork for a lawyer, you may also be involved in legal research as it relates to divorce cases. Legal research in a divorce case is supervised by a lawyer or attorney. The research helps lawyers make a case in court in relation to child custody, the division of property, and other details that may impact the client.
Conducting Client Interviews
Paralegals in divorce cases may spend time talking to the client. The client interviews will go over the client’s goals for the court case and their concerns about the divorce. You may also ask questions that are relevant to the court proceedings to ensure that you have all the information you need for the divorce case.
What Does a Typical Paralegal Job Description Look Like?
In the case of divorce cases, an interview with clients will play a critical role in the paperwork filed with the courts. A client must identify their goals in relation to child custody, visitation, the division of property, and spousal support or alimony that may apply to the case. It also allows a paralegal and a legal team to find out whether there are any problems that may arise to prevent the goal or to change the outcome of the situation.
Due to the emotionally charged aspects of family law and divorce, a paralegal may spend a large portion of his or her time working with clients. Communication is a key part of divorce proceedings, so a paralegal may act as a liaison between a lawyer and a client to clear up more time for the lawyer to work on the case and handle the challenges of the court.
Assisting Lawyers in Divorce Court
Divorce paralegals may also take on the role of assistant to a lawyer in the court. Preparing trial notebooks and assisting a lawyer in the courtroom ensures that the trial moves forward without complications. You help a lawyer stay on track during the case and provide relevant information to assist with the process.
Scheduling Appointments and Court Dates
Organization in divorce cases will fall to the paralegal. As a divorce paralegal, you set up appointments with clients and ensure that clients are available for court appearances. You also work in mediation hearings to assist a lawyer throughout the process.
Paralegals ensure that every schedule lines up and appropriate paperwork is filed with the court to keep up with standards for court dates and hearings. It allows the divorce to go through as smoothly as possible in an emotionally charged situation.
Divorce paralegals take on an involved role in a challenging situation. You work directly with clients to find out their situation and goals. You also work on the paperwork and trial notebooks that make it possible to move forward into court.
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