Is Limited Scope Representation a Good Option for You?
Legal representation is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, especially when it comes to family law services. What worked for your neighbor or colleague will not necessarily fit your needs. This is why at Diamond Legal, we offer a range of services and help you figure out which options are right for you.
To better customize our services – and to offer representation to clients who may not be able to afford a full retainer at the moment – Diamond Legal is happy to offer Limited Scope representation. This service is not the right fit for everyone, but it can be a great fit in certain situations.
What Is Limited Scope?
Limited Scope representation, also known as “unbundled legal services”, is defined as “the concept of a lawyer agreeing to handle only parts of a client’s legal matter.” In other words, it is used when a client mostly represents themselves but retains a lawyer to be available for advice, to review paperwork, or to walk them through specific legal processes.
When a client retains an attorney for full representation, the attorney and legal team handle every detail of the case: completing and filing the paperwork, negotiating various items and terms, representing the client in court, talking with opposing counsel, and more. This service costs more, but it covers everything that may be needed.
Limited Scope, by contrast, covers very specific portions of the case that the client does not feel comfortable doing for themselves. Because of this, it costs less, but it still offers the oversight and advice of an experienced attorney.
Benefits of Limited Scope Representation
The obvious benefit of Limited Scope is the cost savings. Under this option, a client can get started for approximately ½ to ⅓ of a full retainer, depending on the needs of their case. Because they are only paying for the legal services they can’t handle themselves, it is often much more budget-friendly.
In addition, Limited Scope can offer the flexibility some clients are looking for. If you just need an attorney to review some documents or explain your options to help you choose the best route, this can be a great way to do so at a lower cost.
Of course, many of our Limited Scope clients later choose to move to full representation, which is a process we streamline for them. This process fits their budgetary needs at the time, but also allows them the flexibility to move to full representation easily when they’re ready.
Answering your questions
How Much Will My Divorce Cost Me?
While every case is different, we have put together a free guide to give you an overview of what you can expect – as well as tips to help you avoid costly missteps in your divorce. Click below to download your copy today!
Services Commonly Offered in Limited Scope
As stated above, Limited Scope is just that – limited. When you feel comfortable handling some parts of your case but not others (or when your budget requires this choice for a period of time), Limited Scope can be a good option.
Some services commonly offered under our Limited Scope retainer include:
- Review of documents before they are filed, so you know whether anything should be changed or updated
- A certain number of consults with an experienced family law attorney so that you are confident in which steps should be taken (and which missteps should be avoided)
- Limited representation in court (generally limited to a specific number of appearances) so that you don’t have to face the court alone
- Being coached through the divorce process so that you understand what to expect, what to be on the lookout for, and ideas to help you and your kids reclaim your lives
Note that each Limited Scope retainer is customized to your needs, but the items above will give you an idea of what could be included. Our goal is to help you with what you really need without charging you for what you don’t.
Who Can Benefit from Limited Scope?
Often we find that two types of clients get the most benefit from limited scope: those who are on a limited budget and those who have a very simple case (relatively speaking) and are comfortable doing the “legal legwork” themselves.
Whether you have hit a rough patch financially or your spouse filed unexpectedly and you just don’t have the money up front for a fully retainer, Limited Scope can be a good option to save you money in the beginning. The lower retainer means that you simply don’t have to pay as much up front to obtain solid legal advice.
If you find that you need more legal services than you originally thought – or when you get to a point that full representation is more affordable – you can easily move to a full retainer. Our office can handle that transition seamlessly.
The other situation that tends to be a great fit for Limited Scope is when you have a relatively simple case that you’re fine handling mostly on your own. Divorce is never “simple”, so you should always seek the advice and oversight of an experienced attorney, but there are some cases that are simpler than others.
If you’re wondering whether your case fits in this category, give us a call. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and give you an honest evaluation – and we’ll never charge you for services you don’t need.
DISCLAIMER: Any information contained herein is solely for informational purposes. While it is important that you educate yourself, nothing herein should be construed as legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For specific questions, we urge you to contact a local attorney for advice pertaining to your specific legal needs.
