Understanding Your Options
A Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) is a new category of legal professional created by the Colorado Supreme Court to expand access to qualified family law representation.
In Colorado, approximately 75% of people in family law cases don't have a lawyer. Many can't afford one. Others don't need full-service representation for every aspect of their case. The result is that thousands of Coloradans navigate divorce, custody, and child support proceedings without any professional legal help at all.
The Colorado Supreme Court created the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional program to address this gap. Under rules first approved in 2023 and expanded in 2025, experienced legal paraprofessionals can now become licensed to provide legal services directly to clients in family law matters — without attorney supervision.
LLPs are not paralegals (who work under attorneys). They're not attorneys (who have a general license to practice law in all areas). LLPs are a distinct legal profession: licensed, regulated, and specifically authorized to practice in family law.
Scope of Practice
Under C.R.C.P. 207.1, LLPs can represent clients in:
Within family law, LLPs are authorized to:
How It Compares
| Capability | LLP | Attorney | Self-Represented |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal advice on family law matters | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Prepare and file court documents | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (on your own) |
| Represent you in court | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Examine witnesses in court | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (on your own) |
| Represent you in mediation | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Handle all areas of law | Family law only | ✓ | — |
| Licensed and regulated by CO Supreme Court | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Bound by professional conduct rules | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Typical hourly rate | ~50% less than attorneys | Higher | No cost (but no help) |
Trust & Accountability
LLPs are held to the same professional standards as attorneys in many respects. The Colorado Supreme Court requires LLPs to:
Common Questions
No. A paralegal works under the supervision of an attorney and cannot independently provide legal services to clients. An LLP is independently licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court to represent clients directly in family law matters — including appearing in court, filing documents, and providing legal advice — without attorney supervision.
Yes. LLPs can appear in court on your behalf, sit at the counsel table with you, make arguments and objections, examine and cross-examine witnesses, respond to the judge's questions, and fully represent your interests during hearings — just like an attorney would in a family law proceeding.
There are certain complex issues that fall outside an LLP's scope of practice — such as disputed common law marriage claims, trust-related disputes, or pre/post-nuptial agreement litigation. If one of these issues arises, I'll advise you clearly and promptly. In most situations, I can continue to represent you on the family law matters within my scope while you bring in an attorney for the specific complex issue. Clients often find this "team" approach more efficient and affordable than hiring an attorney for the entire case.
LLP rates are typically about half of what family law attorneys charge in Colorado. The exact rate depends on the LLP's experience and the specifics of your case. During your free consultation, we'll discuss pricing openly so you know what to expect with no surprises.
Yes. LLPs are bound by the same confidentiality rules as attorneys. Information you share with your LLP is protected, and your LLP cannot disclose it without your consent except in very limited circumstances defined by professional conduct rules.
The LLP program was created by the Colorado Supreme Court — the highest court in the state — after years of planning, public comment, and formal hearings. The program was developed in response to the fact that roughly 75% of people in Colorado family law cases don't have legal representation. Similar programs exist in other states. LLPs are licensed, regulated, and held to professional conduct standards — this is not an informal or unregulated arrangement.
Absolutely. Many clients find it efficient to work with an LLP for the majority of their case and bring in an attorney only for specific complex issues that fall outside the LLP's scope. This approach can save you significant money while ensuring you have the right level of expertise for every aspect of your case.
For the full FAQ from the Colorado Supreme Court, visit coloradolegalregulation.com.