Are you aware of the new Family Legal Services Provider license for paralegals at the LSO?
Below we discuss the new FLSP program:
Starting in 2025 paralegals, after completing a specialized program, may seek authorization from the Law Society of Ontario to become a Family Legal Services Provider.
Family Legal Services Providers will be able to help clients with a limited range of family law assistance and representation including: family court navigation, certain joint and uncontested divorce applications, motions to change child support (in specific situations), filing domestic contracts, and name change applications.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Fanshawe College will deliver the Family Legal Services Provider program, in partnership with the Law Society of Ontario. The program is competency-based and includes:
- 4 months of online coursework
- 40-hour in-person field placement
- final assessment
Fanshawe will run the program twice a year (January-April and September-December) in both English and French, with full-time and part-time options available.
Enrollment for the January 2025 intake is closed. Fall 2025 enrollment opens in March 2025.
MIXED REACTIONS
The LSO implemented this program and new license based on an Access to Justice Committee report which highlighted the high number of self-represented litigants in family proceedings. Often these litigants cannot afford a lawyer but do not qualify for legal aid.
The Family Legal Services program equips paralegals with the skills to expand their role in family law, offering crucial services to these self-represented individuals. Many paralegals see it as a key opportunity for paralegals to specialize and make a significant impact in family law.
However, when the program was originally announced, not everyone was on board. Some family law lawyers and organizations argued that there were better options or alternatives to improve access to justice than the FLSP program. Others felt that the limited training provided to paralegals was not sufficient.
What do you think?
Will Family Legal Services Providers bridge the gap and help access to justice?
Or, is the scope of practice too narrow? Too broad?
Or, are there better options out there?
For more details, visit the LSO or Fanshawe College website.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
