Does your matter require traditional representation or might the services known as Limited Scope Representation (or “unbundled services”) be right for me?
We at Pines Law Group are pleased to provide our clients with the a variety of options for the scope of services we provide. of retaining our professional services on a Limited Scope basis (also sometimes referred to as “unbundling.”) Rather than retaining a family law attorney to fully and completely represent your interests in all aspects of the family law case, we are proud to be one of the few family law firms that offer retain us for only a portion of the case. It is rather like dining “a la carte” instead of ordering an entire meal.
Some examples of limited scope representation include:
- Ongoing consultation on an hourly basis to obtain legal information and advice concerning the issues in your case (“pay as you go”);
- Representation in only one aspect of the case, such as child support or custody;
- We offer the option of retention merely to prepare forms or other documents;
- Often clients only need representation only one court hearing (for example, the initial hearing on custody issues); or
- Sometimes clients require advice and advocacy for more complicated legal tasks such as discovery or legal research.
- More commonly, a client’s financial situation is such that they cannot afford to retain us to handle the entire entire case, in such situations, limited scope representation may be a great way to obtain our competent legal assistance while keeping costs down. Oftentimes, clients retain us for one limited scope purpose and then expand upon our representation by retaining us for additional tasks. It is one way of “paying as you go” if you are not in a position to pay a significant advanced retainer fee. (Expanding the scope of representation requires a separate detailed written fee agreement and cannot be assumed or implied by anything short of an actual written agreement to expand the scope.)
The family law courts support limited scope representation as a means to encourage litigants to get as much legal assistance as they need to protect their family’s rights. The courts understand that self-represented parties can better access the judicial system when they apply the law and the proper court procedures to present important information to the court. The assistance of an experienced family law attorney during the more complicated portions of a family law matter can make all the difference between failure and success.
There are measurable benefits to limited scope representation if finances dictate the limits in seeking full scope representation and the issues are not overly technical and/or time-sensitive.
Full Scope Representation
In stark contrast to Limited Scope Representation, Pines Law Group also offers more traditional representation — full scope representation services. When retained on a Full Scope basis, we serve as the attorney of record for all purposes. Although not always necessary, there are often clients or cases that may benefit from such commitment and attention either on a temporary or permanent basis. Most of our cases involve full scope representation at some points in the process but not for the duration. We are happy to consider and advise when we find that the scope of representation requires more or less intensity. A written retainer agreement detailing precisely what the scope of representation must be in effect at all times so that both the attorneys and the client are fully apprised of the mutual expectations.
At Pines Law Group, we are dedicated to helping all of our clients find effective legal representation in all aspects of family law matters. If you are a party to a family law matter and would like to discuss whether limited scope representation is right for you, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our family law attorneys.