• Paralegal Specializations
• Paralegal Training by State

How to Become a Family Law Paralegal

Becoming a family law paralegal is best achieved by earning either a certification in paralegal studies or an associate degree in paralegal studies. Neither is required to enter the field, but a certification or degree would greatly help achieve a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive job market for family law paralegals. Further training in the area of family law can sometimes be obtained in various courses focusing on this speciliaty or once on the job.

Job Description and Duties of a Family Law Paralegal

A family law paralegal’s job can vary greatly even within this specialty, depending on their experience level and employer. Many of their tasks however go well beyond filing and paperwork. While they are prohibited from work that amounts to practicing law, such as giving legal advice or setting fees, they are taking on more and more duties that were formerly only done by attorneys. The more experienced and capable a paralegal becomes, the more advanced their responsibilities will become as well. It is more cost-effective for lawyers to delegate tasks to paralegals working under their supervision, and this is a trend that will continue.

Salary and Job Outlook for a Family Law Paralegal

According to Legal Assistant Today, the annual salary for all paralegals in 2007 was $52,979, which was a 3.7% increase. A paralegal’s salary can vary greatly however, and depends on the specialty as well as on their employer, experience, and even region. The average salary in 2007 for a family law paralegal was $39,078. Paralegals often receive bonuses as well, and most enjoy the perks of a 401 savings plan, paid sick leave, vacation time, and medical and dental insurance. Further legal education is sometimes funded as well.

The paralegal profession is expected to grow, and will continue to become more specialized as the law profession does. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projected a 16% growth rate from 2006 to 2016, which is a higher rate of growth than for most occupations.

(Sources: BLS, Legal Assistant Today, Paralegal Careers by Angela Schneeman)

Find paralegal programs below that can help you prepare for and be competitive in the family law paralegal field. Request information from the schools that meet your needs and goals.

Accredited Paralegal Degree Programs

= Staff Recommended

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Back to Top