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.