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Limited Scope Representation

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Limited scope representation uniquely offers our clients the flexibility they may need while providing the strong legal representation they deserve in their divorce case. What is limited scope representation? Also known as “unbundled” representation, limited scope representation allows you to hire an attorney from our office for a specific issue only in your family law matter instead of for the entire case. 

At Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., we understand that you may have different needs in your family law case. Through limited scope representation, you can initiate your divorce without an attorney, retaining one only if an insurmountable conflict or impasse arises. Whether we are handling your case from the start or stepping in only to help you work through a complicated issue, you can trust that a skilled and knowledgeable attorney from our office will assist you through the process.

Is Limited Scope Representation Right for Your Case? 

Whether limited scope representation is the right fit for your case depends on your specific circumstances and needs. For example, if you and your partner do not have children and minimal assets, limited scope representation may be an efficient means of streamlining your divorce case. However, if you and your spouse share children and thus must resolve child support and custody matters, or if you have significant assets and real estate holdings, it is likely best to secure representation from the start. That way, you have a legal advocate in your corner throughout the entire case. 

An attorney from our firm can determine whether limited scope representation is possible in your case. Assessing whether you can work with an attorney in a limited capacity from the outset of your case is best. Rather than working with an attorney on an “a la carte” basis, your situation may warrant continuous representation, which will be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.  

What Is the Process of Limited Scope Representation? 

If you and your attorney determine that limited scope representation is right for your case, you will enter into a client fee agreement. This contract defines the scope of the representation. Specifically, the document will outline the specific work the attorney will perform and at what cost. The costs will include the hourly rate for which your attorney will work, or the flat rate you agree upon for the specific service you need. A retainer you will replenish as the attorney completes their work may also be required.  

When the agreed-upon representation is complete, such as your attorney’s appearance at a custody hearing, the client fee agreement is fully satisfied. In this scenario, the attorney would withdraw their appearance from your case by filing a Motion to Withdraw with the court. If you require assistance later, you and your attorney will enter into a new client fee agreement for the additional tasks they will perform. 

What Are the Benefits of Limited Scope Representation? 

While some cases require an attorney’s representation throughout the divorce process, sometimes the spouses can handle the divorce themselves or “pro se.” However, even if the issues are not complex, you may still benefit from having an attorney review certain aspects of your case, such as financial statements or tax documents, as you negotiate a divorce settlement. In that case, limited scope representation may be warranted to give you the peace of mind you need when you end your marriage. 

At Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., we know that a divorce can be financially burdensome. Limited scope representation can give you some idea of what you can expect regarding fees. Because your attorney will be working on a limited basis, you do not have to worry about receiving a hefty bill for work you did not know was required. Instead, your client fee agreement will likely be a good indicator of what you can expect to pay in costs and fees. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Limited Scope Representation? 

While limited scope representation may be appropriate in some cases, it also has disadvantages. If an attorney is only handling specific tasks on a limited basis, you could experience a negative outcome in your case if all the necessary legal steps are not completed and you do not have representation on your behalf throughout the case. Further, the periodic involvement of the attorney in a complicated case could result in higher fees, making the divorce process more costly. These potential disadvantages are further described below:

  • Potential for Negative Outcome – If your attorney’s involvement in the case is limited to only a few matters, you could risk missing key legal issues. Because you would be solely responsible for handling deadlines and attending hearings without the attorney’s assistance, you could fail to collect necessary evidence or make the required arguments to meet your goals in the case.
  • Lack of Legal Advocacy – If your spouse hires an attorney but you choose to handle the matter yourself or only use an attorney on a limited basis, you could experience an unfavorable outcome since you do not have the resources and experience of an attorney on your side.
  • Unexpected Increased Costs – Sometimes, limited scope representation is not cost-effective because your attorney must take time to review what has transpired in the case between the periods of their involvement. This can result in higher costs and potential delays as your attorney gets up to speed.

What Types of Family Law Matters Are Best Suited for Limited Scope Representation? 

While high-asset or complex family law cases require attorney representation for the duration of the case, some matters can be handled through limited scope representation, including: 

  • Simple Asset Divorce – If you and your spouse’s assets only include bank accounts and personal property, such as vehicles and furniture, the process of dividing the marital property is relatively straightforward. Sometimes, divorcing spouses mostly agree on how their marital property will be divided and prepare a proposed settlement agreement. In that case, a lawyer may only be needed on a limited basis to prepare the necessary court pleadings to formalize the divorce.
  • Amicable Divorce – Similar to a simple asset divorce, an uncontested divorce may allow the parties to proceed with the limited assistance of a lawyer. In an uncontested divorce, you can divorce without litigation if you agree on all the divorce-related issues, such as marital property division and child custody, and file a proposed marital settlement agreement (among other necessary pleadings). You and your spouse may hire separate counsel on a limited basis to review the proposed settlement agreement and any related financials.
  • Low-Cost Divorce – As discussed herein, limited representation may be appropriate in your case if you have nearly all of the issues managed but cannot agree to a few matters, such as custody. To keep your costs as low as possible, you could hire an attorney to assist only with the custody aspect of your case.

Call an Experienced Family Law Attorney Today

If you are contemplating a divorce or have started the process and need assistance, contact Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., today. Regardless of the scope of representation, you will receive the skilled legal advocacy and guidance you need. We understand a divorce can be an emotionally challenging time in your life. Rest assured, our experienced attorneys will be with you every step of the way. Call us today to discuss your legal representation options in a confidential consultation.

LIMITED SCOPE FAMILY LAW OPTIONS

Divorce Pleadings — $1,000. 

Includes: 

  • Drafting joint petition or summons, petition, order to show cause, and affidavit based upon questionnaire responses from client, with unlimited edits
  • Copies of pleadings to client for filing with court
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with a family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session, discussion of next steps and requirements for filing of documents, service on opposing party, etc. (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to custody, placement and child support for use with negotiations and hearings
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to property division for use with negotiations and hearings
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout divorce process 

Motion to Establish Orders in a Paternity Case When Paternity Has Already Been Established, Including Affidavit — $1,500.00 

Includes: 

  • Draft pleadings based upon questionnaire responses from client, with unlimited edits
  • Copies of pleadings to client for filing with court
  • Up to 1 hour of meeting time with a family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session, discussion of next steps and requirements for filing of documents, service on opposing party, etc. (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to custody, placement and child support for use with negotiations and hearings

Stipulation and Order for Post-Divorce or Post-Paternity Cases –$1,500.00 

Includes: 

  • Draft Stipulation and Order based upon questionnaire responses and prior court orders/documentation from client, with unlimited edits
  • Up to 1 hour of meeting time with family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session, discussion of next steps and requirements for filing of documents, service on opposing party, etc. (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to custody, placement and child support for use with negotiations and hearings
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout court motion process

Marital Settlement Agreement – With Children $3,500, Without Children $3,000 

Includes: 

  • Create Marital Settlement Agreement with client based upon questionnaire responses and Property Division Worksheet responses provided by client (does not include the creation of Property Division Worksheet), with unlimited edits 
  • Up to two hours of meeting time with a family law attorney for legal questions and a strategy session (meetings are scheduled for a minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to custody, placement and child support for use with negotiations and hearings, if applicable
  • Copy of relevant statutes related to property division for use with negotiations and hearings, if applicable
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout the divorce process
  • Assistance with Financial Disclosure Statement creation and edits, add $1,000.00
  • Assistance with Property Division Worksheet creation and edits, add $1,000.00.

Child Support Calculations–$1,000.00 

Includes: 

  • Obtaining information from client to prepare calculations
  • Prepare calculations with options discussed with client
  • Up to 1 hour of meeting time with family law attorney (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to child support for use with negotiations and hearings
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout divorce process (if applicable)
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout Post-Judgment Motion to Modify Child Support process (if applicable)
  • Assistance with Financial Disclosure Statement for Divorce creation and edits, add $1,000.00
  • Assistance with Financial Disclosure Statement for Paternity and Post-Judgment Matters, add $750.00

Maintenance Calculations –$1,000.00 

Includes: 

  • Obtain information from client to prepare calculations, including buyout options if requested
  • Prepare calculations with options to be provided to client 
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with family law attorney (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to maintenance for use with negotiations and hearings
  • Flowchart showing the required/expected steps throughout divorce process (if applicable)
  • Assistance with Financial Disclosure Statement for Divorce creation and edits, add $1,000.00

Financial Disclosure Statement for Divorce –$1,000.00 

Includes:  

  • Obtaining information from client to calculate income and deductions
  • Obtaining documentation from client to complete assets and debts sections of Financial Disclosure Statement
  • Typed Financial Disclosure Statement to use with negotiations and for hearings
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to income for use with negotiations and hearings

Financial Disclosure Statement for Paternity and Post-Judgment Matters–$700.00 

  • Obtaining information from client to calculate income and deductions for Financial Disclosure Statement
  • Typed Financial Disclosure Statement to use with negotiations and for hearings
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with Attorney Schlemmer for legal questions and strategy session (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to income for use with negotiations and hearings

Property Division Worksheet for Divorce –$1,000.00 

  • Obtaining information from client to calculate income and deductions
  • Obtaining documentation from client to complete assets and debts sections of Property Division Worksheet
  • Typed Property Division Worksheet to use with negotiations and for hearings
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to property considerations with divorce for use with negotiations and hearings

Limited Scope Motion Draft Review/Proposed Agreement Review/Strategy Session –$1,500 

  • Obtaining and reviewing copy of proposed motion draft/proposed agreement draft from client
  • Suggested edits to proposed agreement 
  • Up to one hour of meeting time with family law attorney for legal questions and strategy session related to the same legal matter as the proposed agreement or draft motion paperwork being reviewed (meetings are scheduled for minimum of one-hour increments)
  • Copy of the relevant statutes related to the custody/placement/child support/maintenance issues included in the drafted motion or drafted agreement

IMPORTANT NOTE: A LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CLIENT AND ATTORNEY PRIOR TO PETERSON, BERK & CROSS, S.C.’S ENGAGEMENT OF SERVICES. THE FULL FLAT FEE FOR THE REQUESTED SERVICE IS DUE AS AN ADVANCE FEE. 

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