Get the Best Unbundled Legal Services with Divorce Matters®
Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.
Overview
Divorce Matters® Unbundled Legal Services
Navigating the court system without the assistance of a divorce attorney can be difficult regardless of how complex or combative your case is. It is important for self-represented parties (called pro se) to seek alternative forms of representation.
What are Unbundled Legal Services?
Unbundled representation is a way for you and your attorney to choose, a la carte, what legal services you need. As the client, you can mix and match the specific tasks your attorney is hired to complete for you. For example, you can hire your attorney to consult with you during your case and get advice on an as-needed basis. Your attorney can also coach you on how to represent yourself pro se and can help with preparing your case. Outside of consultation purposes, you can also hire your attorney for document review and drafting, to handle all communication with counsel and parties, or to file pleadings into your case on your behalf. If you have never worked with an attorney before, unbundled services are an excellent way to test it out.
Examples of Unbundled Legal Services:
- Document drafting and review
- Consultation and coaching
- Assistance with mandatory financial disclosures and discovery responses
- Communication with parties, counsel, court, and experts
- Review of settlement offers
- File pleadings into the case
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Full Scope vs. Limited Scope
Full-Scope Representation is what typically comes to mind when discussing the traditional attorney-client relationship. The attorney is handling all aspects of your case and appears in court to advocate on your behalf. Understandably, this option may not be affordable to some, and there are more cost-effective ways to retain an attorney.
Limited Scope Representation or unbundled legal services are, as the name suggests, limited in the sense that the attorney will only be appearing to handle a very specific issue or part of your case. This keeps the costs lower than a traditional retainer and limits the attorney’s liability in your case. These services will be clearly defined so that you know exactly what the attorney will be helping with. For example, if a spouse in the middle of a divorce case is suddenly served with a contempt citation and is required to attend a hearing, an attorney can enter on a limited basis to assist you with only the contempt hearing portion of your case, and allow you to handle the divorce proceedings on your own. The legal fees for Limited Scope Representation are usually much lower than complete, Full Scope Representation. However, if at any time you wish to retain your attorney to handle the entire case, that transition can easily be made.
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What Are Unbundled Legal Services?
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Common Mistakes in DIY Divorces: Part I
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Bringing a Human Approach to Legal Services
Get In Touch
Douglas A. Thomas
Founding Partner
As founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Arapahoe County Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute ”“ Member
Public & Speaking Engagements
Mr. Thomas has been a frequent speaker at the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 1993
• B.A., New Mexico Highlands University, magna cum laude, 1989
Get In Touch
Emily F. Ahnell
Partner and Managing Attorney
I began my practice after noticing a need for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Court.
I began my family law practice after noticing a need in the community for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Federal and State Courts.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
Public & Speaking Engagements
Denver University Law Review, Staff Editor 2001-2002, General Editor 2002-2003
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 2003
•B.A., University of Alabama, 1998 (Member of the Women’s Soccer Team)
