Family Law

Limited Representation (Unbundled Services)

What is Limited Representation?

Since 1999, we have offered “unbundled legal services” to clients as authorized under C.R.C.P. Rule 11(b).  Under this service model, a client essentially hires one of our firm’s attorneys as a legal consultant.  The attorney might review a memorandum of understanding, consult with the client about Colorado domestic relations law, or provide form pleadings to a client.  The attorney would not, however, enter an appearance with the court or negotiate with the opposing attorney/party under this service model.  We are “consulting, not controlling.”

This is not expensive to clients.  We generally only require a $750.00 retainer.  It allows clients to keep domestic relations proceedings amicable and mediation oriented, yet also ensures that the client gets legal advice from someone only looking out for his or her interests.

Unbundled services involves hiring an attorney to be a consultant or to do discrete tasks, such as preparing a pleading, contract, or reviewing a proposed separation agreement. The attorney will advise the client regarding his or her case, and may prepare some pleadings, but the attorney will not enter an appearance with the court or communicate with opposing counsel.  To outsiders, the client appears to be representing him- or herself.

When you hire an attorney to provide Unbundled Services, the client is solely responsible for meeting all court deadlines, for filing the appropriate pleadings, for fully and truthfully meeting discovery requests, for communicating with the court, opposing counsel, or opposing party and for general management of the case.

People who are using a mediator and who are committed to the mediation process have the most success with Unbundled services.  The client is able to have an advocate to analyze the case and give legal advice. However, the attorney's role is limited, so the client can keep complete control over the case (and cost, including exactly how much time and money have been spent by the attorney).