Discipline: Legal Assisting (Paralegal Studies) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Paralegal Studies 85


COURSE DESCRIPTION
85 Family Law and Procedures Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Substantive law and procedures used in family law by a paralegal relative to dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity proceedings and the rights of married and unmarried parties under community and separate property laws and cohabitation cases in California. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Substantive law and procedures used in family law relative to rights under property laws and cohabitation cases in California.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Evaluate substantive laws and court rules as they relate to
      dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity and non-trial
      relationships.

2.   Analyze the property belonging to the parties in a proceeding and
      characterize it as separate or community property.

3.   Analyze and prepare all forms and pleadings necessary to
      complete various legal proceedings in Family Law Court.

4.   Demonstrate the ability to interview clients and elicit the necessary
      information.

5.   Evaluate the various methods of service of process.

6.   Draft a marital termination agreement and cohabitation agreement
      for unmarried persons residing together.

7.   Analyze fact patterns presented in hypothetical situations and
      identify and evaluate the relevant issues.

8.   Comprehend the psychological needs of a Family Law client and
      family and demonstrate the ability to give empathy and support.

9.   Evaluate and draft legal documents using subject-related
      application software.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Basic Overview of Family Law
  2. Initial Interview, Retainer
  3. Potential Problems
  4. Choosing Appropriate Relief
  5. Commencing Proceedings, Response
  6. Orders Pending Trial
  7. Custody and Visitation
  8. Marital Property Rights, Obligations
  9. Trial Preparation, Computer-Assisted Software
  10. Defaults, Trials
  11. Attorney’s Fees, Dismissals
  12. Motions, Appeals and Writs
  13. Modification of Orders
  14. Enforcement of Order, Termination of Invalid Marriages, No marital Cohabitation
  15. Final Exam 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Multimedai
  • Case Studies
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Essays
  • Case files
  • Legal drafts
  • Discussion
  • Objective-type examinations
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

12/06
1496