Online Courses in Family Law

What Topics Are Covered in Online Family Law Courses?

Online family law courses examine how family-related issues are handled within the American legal framework. This area of the law introduces you to the practice of law, explores the legal system's role regarding families and children, and teaches legal practices, procedures, and terminology. You may take some or all of the following courses:

Introduction to the Study of Law and Legal Systems

This course focuses on the structure and functions of law in our society. You will learn to read and analyze family law cases and statutes and develop basic legal communication skills.

Family Law and Policy

Family law explores areas such as parental rights, marriage, and divorce. Students will study topics such as child custody and visitation, spousal and child support, and asset division.

Child Welfare Law and Policy

The best interest of the child in a legal context is the emphasis of online courses in child welfare law. Topics include mandatory reporting laws, liability issues, and child protection laws.

Juvenile Justice Law and Policy

This course covers the juvenile justice system, law, policies, and practices. It focuses on children subject to juvenile court jurisdiction for engaging in behavior that might be harmful, such as running away from home.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

The laws regarding estate planning and property distributions after death are introduced in this course. You will also study the creation and termination of wills and trusts.

How Can I Take These Courses?

Online courses in family law are usually offered as part of a certificate or degree program in paralegal studies or legal studies. A typical paralegal/legal studies curriculum includes courses on legal writing, tort law, civil procedure, real estate law and online legal research, among others. For graduate and professional students, some law schools offer online programs that include family law courses as well, such as Master of Jurisprudence or Master of Laws programs.

How Do Online Courses Work?

Online courses are typically self-paced and may be accessed at any time. Some are offered on a semester basis, while others can be taken throughout the year. A computer with high-speed Internet access is necessary; some schools may have additional operating system or software requirements.

As in campus-based programs, you'll be expected to prepare for each class by reading texts and completing assignments, some of which may have specific due dates. Tests are often taken online and may have certain start and end times. Lectures are offered in text, video, or audio format, depending on the program you select. Some family law courses will let you communicate with your classmates through webchat applications or discussion boards, participate in small group projects, and complete student presentations.