Family Law Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

LGLA-1355-001 Family Law

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: LGLA 1307 and BCIS 1305 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course presents fundamental concepts of family law with emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include formal and informal marriages, divorce, annulment, marital property and the parent-child relationship.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Family Law: The Essentials, 3^rd edition. ©2015; ISBN-13:  978-128-542-0592

Supplies

Suggested for Family Law Notebook: 3”-5” 3-ring binder, index tabs or dividers, loose-leaf notebook paper or spiral(s).

Student Performance

The student will define and properly use terminology relating to family law; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to family law; describe the roles and ethical obligations of the paralegal in family law; draft documents commonly used in family law; learn to interview clients and to obtain necessary information for attorney; identify legal issues; learn to create an organization system; understand how to interpret and efficiently use the Texas Family Code.

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to describe and explain the duties, responsibilities, and relationships of the paralegal in the following (as evaluated by the faculty in the Paralegal Studies program)

1.The scope and skill of a family law practice.
2. The role of state agencies in Family Law.
3. Ethics, competence, fees, and malpractice.
4. The preliminary legal interview including interviewing guidelines and checklists.
5. The divorce process.
6. Child custody disputes.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Use of Electronic Devices: Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent/vibrate mode during class meeting times. Remove and turn off any blue tooth device. No text messaging will be allowed during class. Put away your iPods, MP3’s, any other device with recorded music, and the earphones to listen to the music. You will be asked to leave class if you are in violation of this request. You will be counted absent and you will not receive credit for that day’s lab projects, assignments, quizzes, or test.

Grading Criteria

Grading:

90-100 = A

80- 89 = B

70- 79 = C (Minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors.)

60- 69 = D

    <60 = F

Final Grade is determined in the following manner:

25% Quizzes

25% Class Participation (including involvement in the Legal Aid probono clinic)

25% Drafting and Family Law Notebook (12.5% each)

25% Exams- total of 2: Midterm (12.5%) and Final (12.5%)

Quizzes: There will be weekly quizzes based upon class lectures and reading/research assignments to assess your understanding of the previous week’s lecture and assignments, the lecture and/or completion of reading assignments. Quizzes will be due at the beginning of class the week following.

Family Law Notebook: You will be expected to keep and organize a Family Law Notebook. (I suggest a 3-ring binder with dividers and loose leaf paper). The notebook MUST include all assignments, pleadings, orders and other documents you draft, as well as pertinent lecture notes, “how to’s”, outlines, etc. The purpose of the Notebook is to provide you with a reference guide, to display your organization skills, to display overall understanding of the pertinent information you will need to work as a paralegal in family law, and your understanding of vital concepts in the documents you draft or complete. You will be given guidance on how to organize your notebook and suggestions on what to include. (The accuracy of documents you draft will be a separate grade).

Weekly Assignments: Each week you will be given an assignment or assignments to complete. Assignments are due at the beginning of class the following week, that they are assigned.

Legal Aid Clinic: The pro se clinic will be organized by West Texas Legal Aid. Once the details of the clinic are released, we will discuss your role and what is expected of you. Clinic attendance is mandatory, as it will expose you to real cases and experience in dealing with a client. Your attendance at and preparation for the clinic will take the place of your final exam, should you so choose. If you do not want your clinic attendance to count as your final grade, you will have the option of taking a written final exam.

Exams: You will be given a mid-term exam to display your understanding of the topics taught through March 2. The midterm will take place on March 9. THIS DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. The final exam, should you elect to take it, will take place May 11.

Attendance

Your participation grade depends largely on your being in class, on time and prepared. You will also be graded on your contribution to class discussions, role-playing exercises, and the legal aid clinic.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available