In California, the ‘limited scope’ law can be used for both family law and civil matters . This law basically gives lawyers the ability to help people with partial or specific legal tasks, based on a contractual agreement, and charge a flat fee for the service. Limited scope can be used for family and civil court appearances, as well as answers and responses, document preparation and other legal matters such as Divorce, Legal Separation, Annulment and Paternity Actions.
When legal matters are handled by ‘limited scope’ or an ‘unbundled’ approach, the client in most cases is still ‘in pro per’ or ‘without an attorney’ as this term means that they are not fully represented. In these cases, the ‘attorney of record’ is the client. The attorney may be assisting the client by preparing documents or responding to requests and can charge a flat fee for this. However, if there are court appearances, the attorney can fully represent while in court only and can still offer a flat fee for the service. In this way, lawyers can help clients who do not wish to pay, or may not need, the typical retainer and hourly rates that is usually offered.
The advantages of using ‘limited scope’ for your legal matter are many:
- Affordable; no financial surprises
- Experienced Attorneys; knowledge of the courts, judges and correct procedures
- Legal advice; know your legal rights
- Attorney oversight; can complete the process and handle issues that may arise
Most people assume that they require ‘full representation’ when they are confronted with a legal matter–but this is not true. Most legal matters are not that complex and can be handled in a ‘limited’ way for a flat fee or a ‘pay as you go’ system.
For court appearances, a ‘limited scope’ attorney will prepare a ‘limited scope’ contract stating that he/she will fully represent the client while in court and then when that specified time in court is complete, the attorney no longer fully represents. For paperwork such as document preparation, responses, answers and other civil or family law matters, the attorney can advise the client and prepare the required paperwork while the client is still ‘in pro per’ or ‘without attorney’ for a flat fee.
For more information on ‘limited scope’ representation by family law lawyers or civil attorneys, contact the Legal Action Workshop law firm @800-HELP-444 (800-435-7444) or visit our website www.LegalActionWorkshopLAW.com .