FAQs
What is an LPP?
In Spring of 2019 the State of Utah launched the Licensed Paralegal Practitioner, LPP, program in response to access to justice problems they saw. I am one of the first four graduates of this new program. It is important that you know that I am not an attorney. I am licensed to give legal advice in Family Law matters; I can help you with almost all aspects of your divorce, child support, parent time, establishing parentage (formerly “paternity”), custody, spousal support, or step-parent adoption at less than half the hourly rate of an attorney.
What are the limitations of an LPP license?
I cannot argue your case in court. I can help you clarify your position and prepare for a hearing, including writing talking points. I can sit with you at counsel table and answer factual questions and help explain to you what you are agreeing to or ordered to do.
I cannot do discovery beyond the usual Rule 26.1 disclosures that are required in family law cases. This means I cannot conduct a deposition, issue Requests for Admissions or Interrogatories, or request subpoenas.
What do you charge?
My rate is $75.00 per hour.
If I hire you, can I hire an attorney?
Yes. If you decide you would like to be represented by an attorney at any time, I can either withdraw from your case and turn your matter over to an attorney of your choosing, or I am happy to remain as co-counsel and work with you and the attorney to accomplish your goals in whatever way works for you.
You can decide to retain an attorney on a limited basis for the purpose of your hearing. I will coordinate with your attorney in any way they may wish or require to prepare for and appear with you in court.
This hybrid representation can save you money by having an attorney available and active on your case and having me doing some or most of the work. Having an attorney only for hearings or for specific tasks, you will only pay their hourly rates for the time it takes for them to prepare for and appear at your hearing or to do other work.
What if I have a hearing?
You can choose to argue your own case or you can hire an attorney to argue your case at the hearing. If you choose to represent yourself, I will help you to clarify your case points, prepare you to speak to the court, and am able to sit at counsel table with you to answer your questions. If you wish to hire an attorney to argue your case, I am happy to assist you and the attorney. Having an attorney only for hearings means you only pay their hourly rates for the time it takes for them to prepare for and appear at your hearing.
Are you aggressive?
I am assertive in protecting your rights and will not allow the other party or attorney to push you around. I would not consider myself aggressive in that I don’t believe “aggressive” is helpful in a family law case. Just as you want an “effective” doctor rather than an “aggressive” doctor, you also generally want someone who is assertive but not aggressive to assist you in your family law case.
There are sensitive issues, big feelings, and a propensity toward conflict inherent in family law cases. If you have children, even grown children, you will have to remain in relationship with this person forever. You want to be able to build an effective working relationship with the opposing party during and after the divorce or parentage action is concluded and “aggressive” attorneys tend to exacerbate conflict. Escalated conflict prolongs the proceedings, requires more court intervention, may require the assistance of other experts such as therapists, custody evaluators, and Private Guardians ad Litem, and will ultimately cost both parties more money.