The thought of handling your divorce may seem overwhelming and confusing.
Many people think they either have to hire an attorney to handle their entire case or represent themselves. Hiring an attorney can be expensive, but having legal guidance throughout the divorce process can make a noticeable difference in the outcome.
Still, approximately two-thirds of family law court filings in California are submitted by those representing themselves.
Judicial Council of California, Statewide Action Plan for Serving Self-Represented Litigants (Feb. 2004).
As a limited scope attorney offering unbundled legal services, Nicole Cheri Oden Law offers an additional option for family law litigants.
Please note that everything I chat about is legal education and information, not legal advice and it does not create an attorney-client relationship between us. I am a licensed attorney in the State of California, but I am not your attorney unless a written Retainer Agreement exists with Nicole Cheri Oden Law, PC. You should consult an attorney in your area to make sure you’re taking the right steps for you and your family.
What is Limited Scope Representation (or Unbundled Legal Services)
Limited Scope Representation, or Unbundled Legal Services, is an alternative to full-scope representation.
Instead of handling every aspect of your divorce case, the attorney handles only certain parts of the case while you remain responsible for the others, like an ala carte menu. This allows you to benefit from the legal expertise of an attorney while only paying for the services you need most.
What are the Different Types of Unbundled Legal Services?
A limited scope attorney can:
Provide specific legal advice and strategy. Your limited scope attorney can answer any questions that arise during the family law process in terms of your specific situation and provide customized guidance and options that help you move toward your goals in a strategic manner.
Offer legal coaching. Family law matters involve intense emotion and uncertainty. Negotiating for yourself can be intimidating or difficult. A limited scope attorney can help put your mind at ease to help you feel more confident and prepared by providing insight on courtroom procedure and behaviors.
Review documents. Pleadings, financial disclosures, and settlement agreements can be confusing to prepare and understand. A limited scope attorney can review the paperwork to ensure that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed to ensure there are no misunderstandings or potentially costly mistakes.
Draft legal documents. A limited scope attorney can also prepare pleadings, financial disclosures, and settlement agreements on your behalf
Advise you during mediation. If you have chosen to mediate your case with your spouse, the mediator is a neutral facilitator who is unable to provide you specific legal advice. Your limited scope attorney can act as a consultant and do all of the aforementioned during your mediation process.
Make a limited appearance. If you have a hearing, settlement conference, or trial set, your limited scope attorney can make the appearance on your behalf.
The divorce process can seem daunting, but enlisting a limited scope attorney to provide unbundled legal services can be a tremendous help.
If you’d like to explore whether unbundling legal services would be a good fit for your divorce case, you can book a consultation here.
This post is an attorney communication under Rule 7.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California and Business and Professions Code Sections 6157-6159.2.
