Unbundled Legal Services: Representing Yourself (kind of)

Can you represent yourself in your divorce or family law case? The answer is that you can. Will you get a good result? Maybe. That's where unbundled legal services can bridge the gap and help you get a fair result to your divorce without the cost of a lawyer representing you in every aspect of your case.

Family law matters can be complex and emotionally charged. Many people hesitate to seek legal representation because they believe that they cannot afford it. However, a law firm offering unbundled legal services for family law clients can help those who need legal representation without breaking the bank.

Unbundled legal services, also known as limited scope representation, allow clients to hire a lawyer for specific tasks or services. This is different from full representation, where the lawyer handles all aspects of the case. Unbundled legal services give clients more control over their case and allow them to save money by only paying for the services they need.

A law firm offering unbundled legal services for family law clients can help clients with a variety of tasks, including drafting legal documents, reviewing contracts, and preparing for court. This type of service is particularly helpful for clients who cannot afford full representation or who want to take a more active role in their case.

Additionally, with the proliferation of technology and online automated services, many clients have decided to represent themselves in divorce and negotiate the terms directly with their self-represented spouse, possibly with the assistance of a mediator. In many divorce cases there may only be one or two issues that are complicated enough to involve an attorney and this is the perfect use of unbundled legal services. A lawyer can help with the client with the complicated aspects of their case and let the client handle the more mundane parts alone.

One benefit of unbundled legal services is that clients can save money on legal fees. By only paying for the services they need, clients can keep their legal costs under control. This is especially important for clients who may be on a limited budget. Unbundled legal services also allow clients to avoid paying for services they do not need or want.

Another benefit of unbundled legal services is that they give clients more control over their case. Clients can choose which services they want the lawyer to perform and which tasks they will handle themselves. This can be empowering for clients who want to take a more active role in their case. By working with a lawyer on an as-needed basis, clients can have more input into their case and make decisions that are best for them.

A law firm offering unbundled legal services for family law clients can also provide a more personalized approach to legal representation. With full representation, the lawyer is responsible for all aspects of the case. With unbundled legal services, the client and the lawyer work together to determine the best course of action. This can lead to a more collaborative relationship between the lawyer and the client, which can be beneficial in resolving family law matters.

Finally, unbundled legal services can help clients save time. Because the client is responsible for some aspects of the case, the lawyer can focus on the more complex legal issues. This can help move the case along more quickly and efficiently, which is important in family law matters where time is often of the essence.

In conclusion, a law firm offering unbundled legal services for family law clients can provide a valuable service to those who need legal representation but cannot afford full representation. By offering clients more control over their case, personalized legal representation, and cost savings, unbundled legal services can help clients achieve their goals in a more efficient and affordable way.

I’ve represented numerous clients in this scenario and will continue to do so in the future. Please feel free to contact me by email at aharger@hargerlawfirm or at (312) 884-1529 if this type of representation appeals to you. Of course I’m also available to represent clients with traditional full representation and will be happy to discuss the alternatives with prospective clients.