10110106Family Law
Course Information
Description
Students gain practical experience in the area of family relations, particularly divorce.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Describe the role of the family law paralegal, including client communication, working with court and governmental offices, and file management.
    Assessment Strategies
    Class Discussions, Assignments, Exams, Quizzes
    Criteria
    List the duties of paralegals in domestic relations actions
    Prepare proper client interview questions
    Summarize the procedures used for filing a divorce action
    Locate the domestic relations statutes
    Interpret domestic relations statutes
    Analyze domestic relations case law

  2. Explain the procedural requirements of eFiling a Wisconsin divorce action.
    Assessment Strategies
    Class Discussions, Exams, Assignments, Project
    Criteria
    Describe the e-filing system in Wisconsin
    Explain the process for preparing legal documents for e-filing with the court
    Explain the steps taken to electronically file legal documents with the court
    Explain the requirements of the e-filing system related to document formatting

  3. Explain the procedural requirements of service of process in a Wisconsin divorce action.
    Assessment Strategies
    Class Discussions, Assignments, Quizzes
    Criteria
    Define service of process
    List family law documents that require service of process
    Locate statutory requirements for service of process

  4. Prepare all required court documents for a joint petition divorce action (with minor children and without minor children) in Wisconsin.
    Assessment Strategies
    Assignments, Projects
    Criteria
    Draft documents needed to file a joint petition for divorce
    Draft language needed for provisions related to minor children
    Format all documents to meet e-Filing requirements
    Proofread all documents for accuracy and formatting

  5. Prepare all required court documents for a contested divorce action in Wisconsin.
    Assessment Strategies
    Discussion, Assignments, Projects
    Criteria
    Describe legal issues that may lead to a contested divorce action
    Explain the difference between drafting contested divorce documents and joint divorce actions
    Draft all required documents to file a contested divorce action in Wisconsin
    Draft documents related to child custody agreements
    Draft documents related to child support
    Format all documents to meet e-Filing requirements

  6. Describe the ethical considerations applicable to Wisconsin family law matters.
    Assessment Strategies
    Class Discussions, Assignments, Exams, Quizzes
    Criteria
    Summarize legal issues commonly found family law actions
    Analyze the Supreme Court Rules of ethics related to family law matters
    Analyze client matters to spot legal ethics violations
    Apply the ethics rules to common family law scenarios
    Describe precautions for avoiding ethical violations in family law
    Maintain client confidentiality