Representing Yourself in Separation/Divorce: Is There Anyone to Help?
Limited-scope representation, also known as “unbundling” or “discrete task representation,” occurs when you hire a lawyer to help you with some aspects of your case while you handle the other aspects on your own (usually for the purpose of saving money). Limited-scope representation is particularly common in separation and divorce proceedings.
Examples of Limited Scope Representation
You can retain a lawyer to:
Provide legal advice when you need it. For example: “What are my chances of keeping the house if I move out during divorce proceedings?”
Represent you on certain issues only – child support, for example, or complex tasks such as legal research.
Help you prepare legal forms, while you represent yourself in court.
Coach you on how to present yourself in court or how to answer sensitive questions.
Help you prepare evidence that will be admissible in court.
Judicial Attitudes
Courts tend to approve of and accommodate limited-scope representation. Even if your financial resources are limited, a court would certainly rather you retain a lawyer for limited-scope representation than have you handle the entire case yourself. Moreover, by assisting you, your lawyer can help your case proceed much more smoothly, which saves the judge a potential headache.
Pros and Cons of Limited-Scope Representation
Limited-scope representation has its benefits and risks, many of which are dependent on your individual circumstances.
Benefits of Limited Scope Representation
The main benefits of limited-scope representation over full representation include:
You can save you money on legal fees by paying a lawyer only to handle those parts of your case that you cannot do yourself.
The lawyer can use his or her time more efficiently by focusing that time on things you cannot do yourself, while leaving simpler but more time-consuming tasks to you.
You can keep greater control of your case than you would be able to if the lawyer handled the entire case.
Drawbacks of Limited Scope Representation
Full-scope representation is essential in some instances. Limited-scope representation is at its least effective (compared to full-scope representation) when:
Your case is very complex or features many technical issues. Even if you retain a lawyer for the technical issues, you might not understand how all the various pieces of your case fit together. In other words, you may need full-scope representation to allow your lawyer to see the big picture.
Your case is very time-sensitive and you simply don’t have time to educate yourself to the extent necessary to effectively represent yourself.
The stakes are high. This is often the case in divorce proceedings when a serious mistake could cause you to lose your home, for example, or lose custody of your children. This is particularly true if proceedings are contentious.
Get Started Now
If you are considering the possibility of joint custody, you are going to need to make an informed decision rather than a hasty one. To explore your options, call 909.204.7920 directly, fill out our online contact form, or stop by one of our offices in Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, and Los Angeles.
