Can paralegals do family law in Ontario?
The answer is not yet, but soon. Paralegals are currently not permitted to appear in Family Court. However, on December 1, 2022 the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) approved a proposal for the **Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) License**, which will allow paralegals to offer certain services in family law. In the approved motion, paralegals who obtain the licence will be allowed to:
- Help clients navigate family court by walking them through procedures like filing deadlines
- Prepare and complete applications for simple joint and uncontested divorces, domestic contracts and name changes
- Provide legal information and advice within the scope of their licence
Paralegals will have to complete 260 hours, or about three months, of full-time education and training, and pass an exam to obtain the licence. The training program is expected to launch in January 2025. This initiative is part of the LSO's Family Law Action Plan to improve access to justice for Ontario families.
This blog post is intended to provide general information on the topic of paralegals and family law in Ontario. It is not a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal assistance with a family law matter, you should consult a lawyer or a licensed paralegal.