Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arizona? Legal Paraprofessionals Are Now Licensed to Provide Services
Filing for a divorce just became a lot less costly with Legal Paraprofessionals
This story is based on a previously published story
In Nov. 2020, the Arizona Supreme Court unanimously voted to eliminate Rule 5.4, which previously prohibited non-lawyers from partnering with attorneys or having financial interests in law practices By doing so, the Court paved the way for the State Bar of Arizona to create a new level of legal services, the Legal Paraprofessional (LP). LPs provide access to justice for those unable to afford the high costs often associated with traditional lawyers and large legal practices.
Much like an Arizona family law attorney, Legal Paraprofessionals, dubbed by some as “legal practitioners”, are licensed to offer full legal services in administrative, criminal, civil, and family law matters, and divorce law.
Legal Paraprofessionals Can Offer Unbundled Services
A legal paraprofessional can provide legal services at a significantly lower rate than an attorney would charge for the same services. Unlike traditional lawyers that typically require a retainer and manage your case from beginning to end, an LP can step in as needed and either charge by the hour or by a flat fee for unbundled services.
A legal paraprofessional, can provide legal advice, help with drafting and filing legal pleadings and motions, initiate or respond to court actions, represent you in court, and finalize your case.
Stephanie Villalobos, De Novo Law
In November 2021, Arizona minted its first Legal Paraprofessional, Stephanie Villalobos. She has been in the legal field, working alongside accomplished attorneys, for over 30 years, and for the last 15 years, has performed associate-level type work under the guidance and supervision of Arizona attorneys.
As a State Bar licensed LP, Ms. Villalobos founded De Novo Law to serve the unmet family law needs of the Phoenix community. Her firm provides a variety of family law services to advise clients and represent their cases in court including,
- Divorce with or without children
- Annulment
- Spousal maintenance/alimony
- Establishment of paternity
- Child custody
- Child support
- LBGTQ family law
- Mediation/alternative dispute resolution
- Debt and asset division
- Separate and marital property
- Grandparents' rights
- Relocations
- Fathers' rights Contested and uncontested divorce
- Legal separation
- Parenting time and decision-making authority
- Enforcement of orders
Are Legal Paraprofessionals Qualified To Handle Cases?
In order to be licensed as a Legal Paraprofessional, applicants must qualify through experience or education. Ms. Villalobos completed her education in paralegal studies and worked as a family law paralegal for more than 30 years.
In addition to meeting the education or experience requirements, applicants must also pass a three-hour professional responsibility exam and a three-hour exam in the practice field in which they seek to be licensed. The tests cover the legal rules of ethics and professional responsibility, legal terms, client communication and confidentiality, substantive law, preparation of legal documents, gathering of information, and other topics.
Applicants must also pass an in-depth background check and meet the standards set by the Arizona Supreme Court before a license will be issued. After securing a license, an LP must complete continuing legal education units each year.
Contact De Novo Law to Speak with a Legal Paraprofessional Today
Stephanie Villalobos is the founder of De Novo Law and is the first licensed paraprofessional in the state of Arizona. She has more than 30 years of experience working in family law and is equipped to provide skilled and knowledgeable representation to her clients.
If you are in need of representation or legal services relating to divorce or other family law matters, contact Stephanie Villalobos at De Novo Law today to schedule an appointment. Call (480) 725-3852