Finding Legal Help
· Updated

Licensed Paralegal Practitioners in Utah: What an LPP Can Do for You and When You Need a Lawyer

General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

Short answer: A Licensed Paralegal Practitioner (LPP) is a licensed, non-lawyer legal professional who may represent a person in three limited areas under Utah's Supreme Court Rule 4-802(c): family law (temporary separation, divorce, parentage, cohabitant abuse, civil stalking, custody and support, name or gender change, and petitions to recognize a relationship as a marriage), forcible entry and detainer (eviction), and debt collection cases where the amount doesn't exceed the small claims limit. Within those areas an LPP can establish a contract with you, interview you, choose and complete the court-approved forms, give advice on how to complete them, sign, file and serve them, prepare supporting documents, review and explain the other side's documents, negotiate and advocate for settlement, communicate with the other party, explain court orders, and sit or stand with you at a hearing to support you, answer factual questions the court or opposing counsel directs to you, take notes and help you understand the proceeding.

Who this guide is for

Utahns handling a divorce, custody case, eviction or small debt case who want help beyond forms but can't afford a full-service lawyer.

What an LPP may do (Rule 4-802(c)(1))

  • Establish a contractual relationship with a client who is a natural person not represented by an unaffiliated lawyer.
  • Interview you and gather facts relevant to your goals.
  • Complete Judicial Council-approved forms, or prepare documents consistent with them, and advise on which form to use and how to fill it out.
  • Sign, file and serve forms and any supporting documents.
  • Review and explain the other party's documents.
  • Negotiate and advocate for settlement, and fill in, sign, file and serve a written settlement agreement form that matches what was negotiated.
  • Communicate with the other party or their representative about the form and related matters.
  • Explain a court order that affects your rights and obligations.
  • Stand or sit with you during a proceeding to provide emotional support, answer factual questions directed to you, take notes and help you understand what's happening.

What an LPP does not do

  • Work outside the licensed areas — an LPP isn't authorized for criminal cases, personal injury, immigration, probate or business disputes.
  • Practice in complicated or contested situations that the rule excludes — the rule limits LPPs to the work described above, which centers on court-approved forms and settlement. If your case needs a lawyer to argue motions or try the case, you'll need one. Ask the LPP what their license allows before you hire.
  • Represent businesses — an LPP can contract only with natural persons.

The Supreme Court's regulatory reform committee has discussed expanding LPP practice areas (for example, expungement, simple probate or guardianship), but that was a discussion item at an April 2026 meeting, not a rule change; check the rule for current text.

Why LPPs can be a good fit

  • Lower cost than a full-service lawyer in many cases (ask for flat fees, free consultations or unbundled services).
  • A person who knows the forms. Many family law cases are won or lost on paperwork.
  • Support at hearings if you're nervous about the process.

How to find one and check their license

The courts' Finding Legal Help page says to use the Utah State Bar's Licensed Lawyer site and select Licensed Paralegal Practitioners, and to verify any lawyer or LPP through the Bar's Member Directory. Ask about unbundled services, free consultations and flat fees.

Alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Is an LPP a lawyer?

No. An LPP is licensed to practice law only within the limited areas Rule 4-802 allows.

Can an LPP go to court with me?

An LPP may stand or sit with you during a proceeding to support you, answer factual questions addressed to you and take notes. Ask about their role for your case type.

Can an LPP help with a small claims case?

Their authority covers debt collection matters at or below the small claims limit; ask what that includes.

How do I know they're licensed?

Check the Utah State Bar's Member Directory.