What Is an LLP?

Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) provide support and representation in Family Law matters

The legal system can feel overwhelming for someone trying to handle it on their own. From forms and filings to deadlines and court appearances, managing a family law matter can be stressful. Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) provide essential and experienced support for many family law cases, helping clients navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

I’m LLP Veronica Gonzales, with Juniper Family Law, serving the greater Denver-metro area of Colorado including the outlying counties throughout the state. I strive to ensure that families receive practical, cost-effective legal support while moving through divorce, custody, child support, and other family law matters smoothly.

What is a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP)?

Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals, often called LLPs, are highly trained professionals who complete specialized education and pass Colorado’s LLP exam which is equivalent to a shorter family law focused bar exam. Unlike paralegals who work under a lawyer’s supervision, LLPs can give legal advice, practice law, operate independently, and represent clients in the types of family law matters authorized under Rule 207.1, which was updated in 2025 (Rule 207.1).

LLPs can also operate their own law firms and/or partner with attorneys. They are required to have extensive backgrounds working in family law and significant paralegal experience working under the supervision of attorneys. You can rest assured that you are in good hands with an LLP.

LLPs can perform much like an attorney for certain family law cases, providing a practical, approachable, and cost-effective representation without the higher legal fees of an attorney.

How LLPs Work in Family Law

Family law consists of divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, restriction cases which can include instances of domestic violence in any of those matters. LLPs help clients with nearly every aspect of these cases, including, but not limited to:

• Representation of clients in all aspects of their Family Law Matter within the scope of LLP practice;

• Drafting and filing with the Court, all relevant and required case documents;

• Provide legal advice, guidance, and support to clients throughout their case;

• Communicating with parties, counsel, and experts to prepare for settlement and/or hearings;

• Attending and providing representation at court appearances including initial status conferences, status conferences, pre-trial conferences, and evidentiary hearings, now including examining any witnesses at hearing;

• Working with experts in matters within the LLPs scope;

• Drafting, filing, and negotiating full settlement agreements;

• Providing legal advice to clients in Family Law cases, within the LLP’s scope.

By handling these responsibilities, LLPs allow families to focus on the important decisions while ensuring procedural accuracy, reducing delays, and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Licensing and Training: What It Takes to Be an LLP

Becoming an LLP requires practical family law experience, ethics and professionalism courses, and passing a state LLP bar exam. LLP’s are held to the same character and fitness standards as attorneys and go through the same application process. Once an LLP is sworn in and licensed to practice family law in Colorado, continuing education ensures LLPs remain up to date with Colorado law and procedural changes. This rigorous process means that clients can trust that LLPs are competent, knowledgeable, and reliable legal professionals. You can find more information on requirements to become an LLP here.

Benefits of Working With an LLP

LLPs offer many advantages in family law cases, including:

• Cost-effective support: LLP services are typically less expensive than representation by attorneys.

• Focused assistance: LLPs can manage your entire family law case from beginning to end, if it is within their scope of practice.

• Efficient case management: LLPs help prevent delays and errors, ensuring cases move forward smoothly.

For many families, an LLP provides the perfect combination of accessibility, expertise, and reassurance.

Understanding the Scope of LLP Services

While LLPs are highly capable, it’s important to understand their scope:

• LLPs cannot handle matters outside their authorized scope of practice, which include the preparation of documents needed to effectuate the sale or distribution of assets including business entities or commercial property, common law marriage disputes, Dependency and Neglect cases, drafting or litigating pre or post nuptial agreements.

• LLPs provide legal advice within their authorized family law cases but are not licensed to handle every type of legal issue.

Even with the few limitations, LLPs now can perform nearly all the tasks an attorney can for many family law cases, from representation in hearings to expert collaboration and legal guidance. For a comprehensive account of what an LLP can and cannot do, please refer to Rule 207.1 and the 2025 Updated Rule 207.1.

Working Effectively With an LLP

To get the most out of working with an LLP, as with an attorney, keep these key things in mind:

• Organize your documents: Keep financial records, correspondence, and prior court filings handy, label everything before you send it to your LLP.

• Ask clear questions: Focus on procedures, deadlines, and requirements. Keep a running list of questions and send one email per week, if possible, or request a short conference call to have all your questions answered at once.

• Understand their scope: Confirm what your LLP can handle under Colorado law, the LLP will know their scope and inform you whether they are able to provide appropriate representation for your case, but it doesn’t hurt to double check.

This approach ensures smooth communication, efficient case management, and a confident, stress-reduced experience.

Choosing the Right LLP

As with selecting counsel of any type, when selecting an LLP, consider:

• Licensing verification: Make sure their license is active and in good standing. You can verify here.

• Experience in family law: Look for familiarity with local court rules and case types.

• Communication style: Choose someone responsive, clear, and approachable.

• Client testimonials: Prior clients’ experiences can reflect reliability and quality.

A skilled LLP can transform the family law process, reducing stress and helping clients feel confident and informed.

Reach Out for Support

I am the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) with Juniper Family Law. I work alongside Louisa Schlieben, attorney and owner,  to ensure that we help all our families manage divorce, custody, and other family law matters with clarity, support, and confidence. If you’re facing a family law issue in Colorado, reach out today to learn how our team can guide you through the process and provide trusted, practical legal support.