• Paralegal Careers by Specialty
• Paralegal Programs by State

How to Become an Estate Planning or Probate Paralegal

To become a probate or estate planning paralegal, one must first gain entry into the paralegal profession. Some law firms may hire untrained workers as paralegals and train them on the job, as no degree is legally required. However, earning a paralegal post-degree certification, an associate degree or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies would give a candidate a competitive edge in a job market that is attracting more and more young applicants. A post-degree certification may require a related bachelor’s degree, but in some cases may only require a high school degree. A certificate program is a shorter, more intensive training period. Additional courses in the specialized areas of estate planning and probate would further prepare a paralegal for this specialty as well as an internship while completing a paralegal studies program.

Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal Job Duties and Description

Estate Planning and Probate Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney, but they are completing more and more tasks that were formerly only done by attorneys because it is more cost-effective to use their labor when possible. The more experience a paralegal gains, the wider their scope of work becomes and the more responsibilities they may take on.

Paralegals in this specialty usually work in law firms for lawyers who focus on estate planning, or they may work in probate courts. Some of the tasks they might do include talking with clients, examining their financial situations, and preparing drafts of trusts, wills, or related documents. A probate paralegal might prepare probate forms, meet with clients whose relative has died, help collect and liquidate the deceased’s assets, assess creditors’ claims, prepare estate tax returns, communicate with clients on the progress of the case, and assist with other documents or paperwork. Writing and communication skills are beneficial, as is the ability to handle the accounting of estate taxes.

Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The salary of a paralegal will vary depending on one’s education and experience, as well as regional location and employer. According to Legal Assistant Today, which does a national survey each year, the 2007 average annual salary of a paralegal was $53,979, which was a 3.7% increase from last year. The average salary in 2007 for an estate planning or probate paralegal was $39,750.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow 22% by 2016, which is a much higher growth rate than for most professions. One reason for this is the expanding population, which will need more legal services. Another is the cost-efficiency of using paralegals, which inspires companies to utilize their services because they can complete so much of the work for a smaller hourly rate. There will be particularly high demand for paralegals with an estate planning specialty, and with the rapidly expanding aging population (baby boomers), the need for estate planning will likely grow as well.

The first step toward a successful paralegal career is to choose a paralegal training program that fits your needs and goals. Accreditation is a very important factor to consider. The schools below list their programs as well as accreditation information. Request information from the programs that meet your needs and goals.

Paralegal Training Programs

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Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Remington College Online: Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Associate's in Paralegal 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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

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

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

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Jones College: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Associate's - Legal Assistant
Bachelor's - Legal Assistant

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

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Associate's in Paralegal Studies

South University: The South University Partially Online Associate's in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. Students are required to take the remaining classes at a South University campus or at an institution approved by South University. This is an excellent opportunity to pursue an ABA approved paralegal program and benefit from the flexibility offered by the online format.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies (Partially Online)
Bachelor's in Legal 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

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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