Limited Scope Representation (LSR)

Limited Scope Representation (LSR) also known as "unbundled", "limited scope assistance" is when the client and attorney select specific services to be provided rather than the "full package" of services that are traditionally offered by law firms.

Examples of limited scope representation in a divorce case include coaching the client for a specific event, such as going to court. It can also include researching legal issues or drafting documents or pleadings. What the lawyer does not do is enter an appearance with the court or communicate with opposing counsel or the opposing party. You are completely responsible for the management of your case. You must abide by all court deadlines, file all the necessary pleadings, fully comply with all discovery requests, and communicate with the court and with opposing counsel. When you hire an attorney for LSR it means that you will appear to those on the outside to be acting pro se.

If you decide to go the LSR route you will probably have to enter into an unbundled fee agreement with the attorney. The agreement should state that the attorney will not appear in court and will not speak with the opposing party, or opposing counsel. It will also include the amount of the fee to be paid by you and to what extent the attorney will be involved.

How to find a LSR attorney.

You can seek out an attorney who specializes in unbundled divorce-the kind of lawyer who handles family law as a solo practitioner, or as part of a small firm, who has recently decided to join the increasing number of lawyers selling divorce services a la carte.

If you are just starting the divorce process and haven't had legal input, your initial session with the LSR attorney can be of great help. Be sure have a checklist of any issues you'd like to cover so that you don't overlook anything.

When looking for LSR or unbundled services beware of the store front firm that offers $99 divorce. These are often paralegal services that will simply fill out forms and file the appropriate court documents. They cannot give legal advice.

With the average cost of a divorce being estimated at somewhere between $10,000 to 20,000 you can see the need and benefit of a service such as LSR. Aside from the financial benefit is the fact that limited scope representation creates an attorney-client relationship.

Additional Divorce Resources and Information:

Miscellaneous Divorce Related Articles

Dealing with Conflict - Conflict before, during and after a divorce is inevitable ...

Domestic Abuse Orders for Protection in Minnesota - Domestic abuse is defined as any of the following committed against a family or household member. The domestic abuse order for protection is only available to the family and household members of the abuser. ...

Family Anti-Terrorism - A New Weapon in Domestic Violence Law - New York State Legislature enacted The Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act which confronts, and allows for the opportunity to acknowledge, domestic violence ...

Happy Life, Happy Wife - Did you ever hear the expression "Happy Wife, Happy Life"? ...

New Jersey Domestic Violence - In 1982, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, codified at N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17, was enacted to address domestic abuse and provide civil remedies for domestic violence victims ...

New Jersey Premarital and Cohabitation Agreements - Premarital agreement or antenuptial agreement may be used by a couple to determine, prior to marriage, what each party's rights and obligations will be in the event of divorce. ...

Paternity in Minnesota - The days of factual disputes over paternity are long gone, as the issue of biological paternity is now decided by DNA, which is hard to argue with. ...

Premarital Agreement Issues Checklist - There are many details to think about when you're planning your wedding ...

The Art of the Prenup -- Use Sparingly - Prenuptial agreements are not lollypops. They are extremely serious agreements ...

Tips For Testifying in Court - Sometimes the only way out is to actually go to court on your divorce. Here are some very practical tips for testifying in court. ...

When Love Hurts - Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior which can involve ...

Why Do Married People Have Affairs? - Rarely does a working day go by without a client mentioning an affair ...