Divorce doesn’t have to be financially draining. Unbundled legal services can allow you to part ways with your spouse cost-effectively, efficiently, and amicably while remaining in control of the process and keeping your legal fees down. By choosing to represent yourself and using unbundled legal services to get the help you need in the areas you require assistance with, you can feel involved in your case and empowered. You can also have peace of mind knowing that the cost of your divorce will be predictable.

Key Takeaways

• Unbundled legal services can allow you to handle your divorce case on your own and get legal help for specific aspects of your case.
• An attorney who provides unbundled services can assist with a wide range of legal tasks for a flat fee for each aspect of your case they handle.
• An unbundled divorce can provide many advantages, including cost-effectiveness, control, and flexibility. However, this approach may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence, hidden assets, complex assets or a business, and complex custody disputes where full scope representation can ensure your rights are adequately protected. If you feel there are power imbalances with your spouse, and you need someone to navigate your settlement options and help negotiate a settlement, you may need more in-depth representation.

What is Unbundled Divorce?

An unbundled divorce is one where you can get just the right amount of legal help you need, while saving money that would otherwise be spent on attorney fees. Also referred to as “limited scope representation,” unbundled services allow you to hire an attorney to take care of specific tasks in your case, rather than handle your entire legal matter. Instead of being billed by the hour, the attorney would charge a flat fee based on the services agreed upon. Ultimately, unbundled legal services allow you to customize your representation.

What Kinds of Divorce Services Can Be Unbundled?

Since the legal system is complex, being a pro se litigant in divorce can be a challenge. Your divorce may be the first time you’ve ever had to go to court and you’re likely unfamiliar with the rules, procedures, and processes. Or you may be negotiating a settlement with your spouse outside of court but want help with different aspects to keep it out of the court process. With unbundled legal services, you can have the guidance of counsel while reducing your expenses. You can choose to have a divorce attorney help you with a variety of tasks in your case, including the following:

• Preparing settlement options: Knowing where to start and understand what are marital versus non-marital assets can feel overwhelming. With unbundled assistance, an attorney can help you know what information to pull together and think about settlement options you can discuss with your spouse.
• Preparing pleadings: It can be confusing to understand which documents are needed to commence a divorce or how to answer a complaint. With unbundled legal help, an attorney can prepare or review the necessary documents for you to ensure they are complete and legally sound.
• Drafting motions: A motion asks the judge to make a ruling on a specific matter in the case. For instance, in a divorce, a motion can ask for temporary orders regarding support and parenting time, or be used to compel compliance in discovery. An unbundled divorce attorney will know what arguments to make in the motions, how to structure them, and which cases should be cited to support them.
• Court appearances: A common reason pro se divorce litigants use unbundled legal services is to hire a flat rate divorce attorney for representation at court appearances. This can allow you to be on equal footing with your spouse if they are represented, without having to have an attorney on retainer.
• Collecting evidence: An unbundled divorce attorney will know what legal tools can be used to help you collect the evidence you need to support your position in your case.
• Coaching: An unbundled divorce attorney can offer you coaching and strategic advice if you choose to be unrepresented. For instance, they can advise you of your rights, inform you what to expect in court, and help you analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
• Negotiating with the other side: By using unbundled legal services, you can have an attorney by your side to negotiate a settlement with your spouse’s attorney or your spouse if they are unrepresented, to help ensure a fair outcome is achieved.
• Providing legal support in mediation: A flat rate divorce lawyer who offers unbundled legal services can attend mediation sessions with you. They can ensure your rights are protected and you understand the law as you work to reach a resolution with your spouse.
• Reviewing a settlement: Divorce settlement agreements often contain legal jargon and cover a wide range of areas. Before you sign a settlement agreement, a flat rate lawyer can review the document and explain the implications of it.
• File documents: Unbundled attorneys can file documents with the court on your behalf and identify what steps need to happen once a divorce is signed off by a judge. They can also prepare for and/or attend a default hearing, if the court assigns one.
• Transferring home title or drafting a QDRO: If you have completed your divorce and need help dividing a retirement account or transferring title of real estate to one person, unbundled services can provide these services for a flat rate.

Critically, unbundled legal services can ensure you receive the support you need for the most challenging tasks and that you are never alone when navigating the legal system.

Is an Unbundled Divorce Right for Me?

If your divorce is straightforward and you are comfortable handling certain aspects of your case on your own, unbundled legal services can be a good option. It can allow you to keep the costs of your case down while providing you with flexibility and control. Although each unbundled legal service comes with its own agreement for the agreed upon scope of services, you can always retain an attorney for full scope representation if your divorce becomes too complex, or multiple stages of your divorce.

An unbundled divorce offers many advantages. However, using unbundled services may not be right in situations involving domestic violence or safety concerns. You may also need to retain an attorney if there are other issues that may complicate your case, such as hidden assets, intricate financial matters, or a highly contentious custody dispute or there are power imbalances that you feel prevent you from having fair negotiations. It’s best to consult with an attorney who provides unbundled legal services to determine whether this approach is right for you.

Contact an Experienced Minnesota Flat Rate Divorce Lawyer

If you’d like to learn more about unbundled legal services and the benefits of working with a flat rate divorce lawyer, we invite you to contact us to learn more. At The Law Shop Minnesota, attorneys Louise Livesay and Peter Ladwein help families across Minnesota with resolving their divorce and family law matters with respect, clarity, and compassion. Offering a wide range of unbundled legal services, we are committed to ensuring you are empowered in your divorce and get the legal help you need.

To schedule a consultation at either our St. Paul or Edina offices (either in person or via Zoom, anywhere in Minnesota) please contact us online or call (651) 344-6100 for convenient, accessible legal support.

Louise Livesay and Peter Ladwein share a commitment to helping families find peaceful, practical solutions during difficult times. Together, they bring compassion, experience, and a personal touch to every case they handle.

With more than twenty years of experience, Louise has guided countless families in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota toward out-of-court resolutions through collaborative divorce, mediation, and other flexible, client-centered options. Peter shares that same dedication to protecting families and their futures. Having firsthand experience with a special needs family member, he brings a deep understanding and empathy to his work. Licensed in both Minnesota and Illinois, Peter helps clients navigate the legal process with care and clarity.

Louise and Peter work together to ensure every client feels supported, informed, and confident in moving forward toward a positive resolution.