Overview
This award provides focused training in family law procedures, estate planning, and estate administration, equipping paralegals with the practical skills to support clients through some of the most sensitive and consequential legal matters they may face.
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The Paralegal Program is a recognized paralegal program of the BC Paralegal Association (BCPA).
What you will learn
- Prepare comprehensive family law documentation including separation agreements, court applications, and support enforcement materials.
- Explain estate planning activities including will preparation, power of attorney documents, and estate planning consultations.
- Manage estate administration procedures including probate applications, asset valuations, and beneficiary distributions.
- Apply family law principles to matrimonial property disputes, child custody matters, and support calculations.
- Communicate sensitively and effectively with clients experiencing family breakdown or bereavement.
- Conduct legal research specific to family law and estate matters.
- Prepare court documents and assist with family court proceedings.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards specific to family law and estate practice.
What to expect
This part-time program may be delivered face-to-face, fully online, or in a blended format. Instructional strategies include lecture, group discussion and online forums, assigned readings, case studies, practical document preparation activities, and review summaries. Students are expected to engage in applied learning through exercises that simulate real-world paralegal work in family law and wills and estates settings that are specific to British Columbia.
Admission requirements
- Completion of VCC’s Paralegal Certificate or Paralegal Diploma, or equivalent
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
- Respect for the rigidly hierarchical system of authority on which the legal profession is based
- Highly competent legal secretarial skills
- Typing speed of at least 50 wpm
- Excellent computer skills, including intermediate to advanced MS Word, Excel, file management and Internet search capabilities
- Detail oriented
- Excellent writing skills
- Exceptional work ethic
- Ability to follow instructions and prioritize work
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Interest in working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment
Fees and other costs
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $36 | |
| Tuition | $2,147 | |
| College initiative | $19 | |
| Campus resource | $43 | |
| Total | $2,245 |
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* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.