LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION: WHY WOULD YOU WANT IT?
Last week, we discussed what limited scope representation/unbundled services are and what you can expect from limited representation. This week we are outlining why you may want to consider limited representation and how to determine if that is the best choice for you.
Many potential clients consider limited scope representation for the financial benefit. Unlike full representation where much of the work completed on your case is dictated by the statutes, Judge’s Orders, and even opposing party or counsel, limited representation cases are much more controlled. You will be doing the work that an attorney would normally do, so much of those costs are eliminated.
Additionally, you control when and how often you contact your attorney. You may elect to run all of your pleadings by them before you file them, or you may simply call to ask a few clarifying questions. You may elect to have your limited representation attorney attend mediation with you, or you may decide to have a meeting with them beforehand to prepare you for the mediation. Some attorneys will even offer a discounted hourly rate to be “on hold” during a mediation should you need to call to ask a question. The ways in which you can employ your limited scope attorney are endless.
Another reason you may considered limited scope representation is so the opposing party does not know you have an attorney. In traditional representation, the first step an attorney will take is to enter his or her appearance into the case, notifying everyone of the attorney’s involvement. In the case of limited representation, no one needs to know that you have retained legal counsel. You never have to tell the opposing party that you have an attorney advising you behind the scenes. Many clients elect to proceed with unbundled representation because it gives them the peace of mind of legal representation while keeping things more amicable with the other party.
Some clients elect to hire limited representation for the “just in case” scenario. The client believes that the case will be amicable and they will never need an attorney, but they know that there is a slim chance everything can go sideways. When everything goes wrong, that client is not left scrambling trying to find, interview, and retain an available attorney. That client is prepared to move forward with the case with one phone call to their unbundled representation.
It is very simple for an attorney to transition for limited scope representation to full representation. If you are on the fence about whether to retain full representation or unbundled services, there is no harm trying the unbundled route first. It could save you money and time should you not need full representation, and there is no time or money wasted should you decide to retain full representation. It is always better to have some representation rather than none. If you do not use your attorney, there’s no harm, but there is always risk of great harm if your interests go unrepresented in your divorce or custody matter.
Every case is different, so if you are considering limited scope representation give us a call! We offer free thirty-minute consultations with one of our award-winning attorneys. During that consult we can give you a better idea if limited representation is right for you.