PRLGL-150 - Family Law - Julie McCormick, JD, CWLS (she/her)

Introduction

My name is Julie McCormick, and I am excited to be your instructor this semester. I am a
practicing attorney and Certified Welfare Law Specialist with extensive experience in California
law and legal practice. Whether you are pursuing a career as a paralegal, exploring family law
as an area of interest, or expanding your legal knowledge, I look forward to helping you
develop practical skills that can be applied in a real-world legal setting.
Family law affects some of the most important aspects of people's lives, including marriage, divorce, child custody, support, parentage, and domestic violence protections. This course is designed to provide you with both a solid foundation in California family law and hands-on experience working with the court forms commonly used in practice.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of family law while exploring California law and court forms relating to dissolution of marriage, support orders, child custody, parentage, and restraining orders.
Throughout the semester, we will examine:
•
The role and ethical responsibilities of paralegals in family law practice
•
Marriage, legal separation, dissolution, and nullity
•
California family law procedures
•
Child custody and visitation
•
Child and spousal support
•
Property characterization and division
•
Parentage proceedings
•
Domestic violence prevention and restraining orders
•
Preparation and completion of California Judicial Council forms
This course emphasizes practical application. Students will regularly work with actual California court forms and learn how attorneys and paralegals prepare family law cases from initial filing through judgment.

What to Expect in this Course

Students should expect a combination of:
•
Weekly readings
•
Live Zoom lectures and discussions
•
Practical form-completion exercises
•
In-class activities
•
Review questions
•
Projects involving California Judicial Council forms
•
Midterm examination
•
Final examination
A typical week may include:
1.
Reading assigned textbook chapters before class.
2.
Attending the live Zoom session.
3.
Participating in class discussions and activities.
4.
Completing assigned review questions or court forms.
5.
Submitting assignments through Canvas.
Because this is a skills-based course, regular attendance and participation are strongly encouraged. Many in-class activities earn participation points and cannot be made up if missed.
To be successful in this course, students should plan to spend approximately 6–9 hours per week on reading, assignments, studying, and class participation.

Types of Assessments

Students will participate in class discussions along with in class written assignments, projects
(forms based), discussion boards and quizzes (midterm & final),

Textbook Information

California Family Law | Ninth Edition | Author: WALLER | ISBN: 9798889061731 (Print +
Ebook) or 9798889061755 (Ebook)

Students will also regularly access California Judicial Council forms (www.courts.ca.gov) and Los Angeles Superior Court (www.lacourt.org) resources, both of which are available online at no cost.

Other Relevant Course Information

This course discusses sensitive topics that may include:
•
Divorce
•
Child custody disputes
•
Domestic violence
•
Child abuse and neglect
•
Family conflict
Students should be mindful that classroom discussions are not confidential and should avoid sharing personal legal matters or sensitive information about themselves or others.
Professionalism and respect are expected at all times during class meetings and online interactions.
Please communicate with me promptly regarding any concerns, questions, or anticipated absences. When in doubt, reach out. I am happy to help you succeed in this course.
Office Hours: Mondays, 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom or by appointment.
Email Response Time:
• Within 24 hours on weekdays
• Within 48 hours on weekends

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/25/2026 Sub#: 2098 Sub ID: 219404