Prerequisite:
Knowledgeable in management of marriage dissolution cases. Familiarity with state constitutions & statutes, practice & procedure forms, internet research, basic taxation, basic litigation, agency law, contracts, liability, & remedies will be advantageous.
Against a background of Constitutional and federal law, state law is the primary law of marriage and divorce in the United States. Basic principles and models of divorce, including alimony, child custody, and property division, remain fairly consistent through all states and territories. Applicable law, rules, procedures, and terminology may vary significantly from state to state and within states from city to city. “Custody” and “alimony” in one court may be “parenting time” and “spousal support” in another. However, from traditional models to modern innovation, through variations in practice and terminology, the basic underlying purpose of this area of practice is to resolve all issues in dissolution of a marriage, in a manner that is efficient and fair to all persons involved.
This course concentrates on practice and procedure in the area of marriage dissolution case management. Modules in the course begin with the legal framework that provides the substantive and procedural structure for marriage and dissolution; legal requirements, obligations, and benefits of a valid marriage; the process of marriage dissolution; issues to be resolved in dissolution cases; information intake, client interviews, and case assessment; preparation and initiation of a dissolution case; discovery in a dissolution case; and resolution of the case, including entry, enforcement, and modification of court orders.
The APC Certification Board has determined that an ACP designation in Family Law will be awarded to Certified Paralegals who complete the following courses:
- Child Support, Visitation and Child Custody
- Division of Property
- Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
- Dissolution Case Management
Successful completion of all 4 courses will lead to a certification in Family Law. Upon completion of the individual courses, and all course requirements, qualified Certified Paralegals will receive an Advanced Paralegal Certification credential in the individual area.
