Unbundled legal help can come with a number of benefits if you’re going through a divorce. While most divorce cases have several issues that must be resolved before a judge will sign the final decree, you may not require legal assistance for all of them. For instance, if you and your spouse have reached an agreement on property division matters, you might only need a lawyer to help with child custody or support issues or parenting issues are agreed upon and you need assistance with the property division or cash flow. You might want the lawyer to draft the legal documents so they are clear and address all issues needed to facilitate the court review. Importantly, when you use unbundled legal services, you can pick and choose what your lawyer helps with — and specifically, where your legal fees go.

What are Unbundled Legal Services?

Also referred to as limited scope representation, unbundled legal services allow you to hire a lawyer to handle certain aspects of your case — while you remain responsible for the rest. Rather than your attorney handling every part of your case from start to finish, their representation is tailored to the specific parts for which you need help. While your counsel would be limited to just the legal services you need, you would only pay for the specific services that you and your lawyer agree to be provided.

What are the Benefits of Using Unbundled Legal Services?

It’s common for many people to represent themselves in their divorce matters, simply because the cost of legal representation may be financially burdensome for them. However, self-representation can come with many pitfalls and without the advice and guidance of counsel, the best possible outcome might not be achieved. Unbundled legal help can allow individuals going through the divorce process to have the best of both worlds — they can have access to quality counsel while keeping the expenses down in their cases.

Here are several crucial advantages when it comes to using unbundled legal services:

• Cost-effectiveness — Using unbundled legal services can allow you to choose the parts of your case your lawyer helps with. This can result in a lower bill for legal fees and substantial cost savings overall.
• Efficiency — Unbundled legal help can allow your lawyer to focus on the specific legal services they are providing in your case. Being efficient with your time also saves you money that would otherwise be spent on legal fees for things like phone calls, paperwork, and other tasks in your case for which you might not need representation.
• Empowerment — By using limited scope representation, you can have greater control over your case. Instead of relying on a lawyer to handle your entire legal matter, you can choose what aspects of your case you will handle yourself. This can help you feel more involved and empowered, as well as increase your satisfaction with the outcome.
• Flexibility — Unbundled legal help can offer you flexibility by giving you access to assistance you might require for specific legal tasks in your case. This can include reviewing documents, drafting motions, collecting evidence, negotiating with the other side, reviewing a settlement for missing details, reviewing legal documents, or providing representation for a single court appearance.
• Customization — One of the biggest advantages of using unbundled legal services is that you can do just that: unbundle the legal services that would ultimately be provided and customize the representation for your case based on your needs and financial circumstances.
• Amicability — Divorcing amicably can be particularly important if you have children. Unfortunately, the stress and contentiousness of the litigation process often makes emotions run high. Unbundled legal services can often help to keep tension and conflict in a case low.

Divorce is rarely a simple process. But by getting unbundled legal help, you can both save money that would otherwise be spent on counsel fees and make informed decisions with the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer. Keep in mind that the attorney can not represent both people so services are only for the single client. But, working with an attorney who helps you keep an eye on a respectful process can still make a difference.

What if I Need Help Beyond Unbundled Legal Services?

Unbundled legal help can help you move through the judicial system efficiently and effectively. However, in some cases, you might need legal help beyond limited scope representation. If you require additional assistance, it’s best to discuss your legal needs with your attorney. Each unbundled service will require entering into a separate agreement.

In the event your case is more complex and you need assistance for multiple issues, it might make sense to retain an attorney to help with your whole case. A divorce attorney can talk with you about the options that might be available to keep conflict and cost down in your case — including mediation and the collaborative process. And if you feel that you can not advocate for yourself or your children because of relational dynamics, unbundled legal services might not be the right option.

Contact an Experienced Minnesota Divorce Attorney

Every divorce matter is different — and the approach in every case should be specifically tailored. If you are considering using unbundled legal services, it’s crucial to discuss your case with a skillful family law attorney who provides unbundled legal help. Located in St. Paul, The Law Shop Minnesota provides a wide range of customized client services for divorce and family law matters. We are available to meet in person or via Zoom, regardless of whether you are in Minnesota. We welcome you to contact us online for a consultation or by calling (651) 344-6100.