Key Takeaways
- What an LLP is and what an LLP is allowed to do in a Colorado divorce case.
- The difference between an LLP and an attorney and how that difference affects your case.
- When an LLP is a strong choice and when an attorney may offer broader protection.
- How custody, finances, and complex issues can shape your decision.
Understanding the Role of an LLP and an Attorney in Colorado
When you are going through a divorce, one of the first decisions you face is who should represent you. In Denver and Colorado Springs, many people compare an LLP and an attorney and wonder what the real difference is.
An LLP, or Licensed Legal Paraprofessional, is a legal professional licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court to represent clients in family law matters. Under Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 207.1(2), an LLP can handle most tasks in a divorce unless the rule specifically says otherwise.
An attorney is also licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court, but an attorney has unlimited authority to practice law in all areas unless restricted by court order. The key difference between an LLP and an attorney is not professionalism or training. It comes down to what each one is legally allowed to handle.
What an LLP Can Do in a Colorado Divorce
Many people are surprised to learn how much an LLP can do. Under the current rules, an LLP can perform nearly all ordinary tasks in a family law case unless they are specifically prohibited.
An LLP can:
- Sign a contract with you and formally represent you.
- Prepare, draft, and file pleadings, motions, sworn financial statements, and disclosures.
- Draft separation agreements and parenting plans.
- Communicate with the other party, whether they are self-represented or represented by an LLP or attorney.
- Participate in mediation and settlement negotiations.
- Work with experts related to your family law case.
- Appear in court, sit at counsel table, make opening statements, present closing arguments, examine witnesses, and make evidentiary objections.
In status conferences and hearings, an LLP can speak on your behalf just like an attorney. Outside of court, an LLP can represent you in settlement discussions and alternative dispute resolution. In many straightforward cases, the difference between an LLP and an attorney may not change the outcome. If you and your spouse agree on most issues, an LLP can provide solid support from start to finish.
Where an Attorney’s Broader Authority Matters
Even though an LLP can handle most family law matters, there are limits. This is where the difference between an LLP and an attorney becomes important.
An LLP can not:
- Prepare documents needed to carry out the sale or distribution of a business entity or commercial property, beyond drafting an agreement about property division.
- Represent you in a dispute about the value of or income from a trust.
- Prepare or litigate pre marital or post marital agreements.
- Handle matters outside the LLP’s authorized family law scope, such as immigration, adoption, criminal cases, bankruptcy, complex jurisdiction disputes, certain parentage disputes, or punitive contempt matters.
If one of these issues appears in your case, the LLP must refer you to an attorney for that specific issue. The LLP may continue representing you on everything else within their scope. An attorney does not face these limits. This broader authority is a major part of the difference between an LLP and an attorney.
How the Difference Between an LLP and an Attorney Affects Custody
Custody disputes can quickly become complex. An LLP can draft parenting plans, represent you at hearings, and negotiate parenting time. In many cases, that level of authority is enough.
However, if your custody case involves complex legal disputes outside the LLP’s scope, an attorney must step in. If the other parent hires an attorney and the case becomes highly contested, some people feel more comfortable having an attorney with unlimited authority managing every issue. In those situations, the difference between an LLP and an attorney can affect strategy and flexibility.
How the Difference Between an LLP and an Attorney Impacts Financial Outcomes
Financial issues often reveal the most meaningful difference between an LLP and an attorney. In many divorces, an LLP can prepare disclosures, draft agreements, and represent you in court.
However, if your case involves:
- Complex business sales or commercial property transactions.
- Trust income disputes.
- Advanced financial structuring beyond standard marital property division.
An attorney has the broader authority to fully litigate and resolve those matters. For families in Denver or Colorado Springs with higher value assets, the broader authority of an attorney may offer added peace of mind.
Choosing Between an LLP and an Attorney
So which option is right for you? The answer usually comes down to the details of your case. The difference between an LLP and an attorney matters more in some divorces than others.
An LLP may be a strong fit if:
- You and your spouse agree on most major issues.
- Your assets are straightforward.
- Your case stays within standard family law matters.
- You want experienced legal support at a potentially lower cost.
An attorney may be a better fit if:
- Your case involves businesses, trusts, or complex financial structures.
- Issues outside family law could arise.
- Your spouse hires an attorney, and conflict increases.
- You want one professional with unlimited authority managing every aspect of your case.
The difference between an LLP and an attorney is about scope, not quality. Both are licensed. Both are regulated. Both are committed to helping families move forward.
Your Divorce, Supported the Right Way
At Colorado Legal Group, we offer both LLP and attorney representation in Denver and Colorado Springs. This allows you to choose the level of support that fits your situation.
Whether you decide on an LLP or an attorney, our team will help you understand the difference between an LLP and an attorney and how it applies to your specific case. Divorce is a major life transition. The right guidance can make it feel more manageable. Contact us today to discuss whether an LLP or an attorney is the right choice for your Colorado divorce.