Unbundled Services/Limited Scope Retainer

Usually when a party retains a family law lawyer in connection with their matter, it is a comprehensive retainer meaning that the family law lawyer will manage all aspects of the family law matter, such as negotiating agreements, attending at mediation, corresponding with the opposing counsel and becoming solicitor of record. 

Unbundled services provide an affordable option between full representation and no representation at all. Unbundled services are legal services but in a more piecemeal mode. You can pick and choose what you want or need. 

While it is recommended that a client have legal counsel for their family law matter, sometimes it is just not possible for everyone to afford a lawyer’s retainer.

Unbundled services also known as limited scope retainer offers the client the ability to retain a lawyer for only the services that he wants or needs.  The purpose of a limited scope retainer is to reduce the costs to the client as the client only pays for the services requested.  For example, a client may seek to have Heft Law only prepare materials for a motion and prefer to attend at court on their own. Another example would be coaching a client, or appearing at a court event. The day-to-day activities would likely not be part of a limited scope retainer.

At Heft Law, we are aware that family law proceedings can be expensive and financially out of reach for many people. However, we are also aware that the litigation process can be a minefield, confusing and overwhelming. Unbundled services are a way to offer legal services at a lesser cost to self-represented litigants. Heft Law would provide legal guidance. 

Examples of Unbundled Legal Services

This is a non-exhaustive list of possible legal services provided as unbundled services:

• Drafting materials such as: Application, Answer and Reply; Case Conference Brief: Settlement Conference Briefs; Motion Materials, Financial Statements, Motion to Change; Response to Motion to Change; Affidavits; Offers to Settle, Parenting Plans and Mediation Briefs
• Drafting Case Conference or Settlement Conference Briefs
• Consultation as regards process
• Preparation for Questionings, Mediation, Conferences or trial
• Coaching

It is important that the various family law forms are filled out properly as there is the risk that materials will be rejected by the court. Completing a financial statement correctly is important whether or not you are in court or mediation or just starting your matter.  Unbundled services can help with this.

Advantages of a Limited Scope Retainer

For the person who is comfortable representing themselves in their matter, unbundled services provide access to a qualified and experience legal professional. 

Unbundled services are legal services at a lower cost to the client. 

Acting as Agent 

Retaining Heft Law on a limited scope retainer means that Heft Law is not your solicitor of record rather Heft Law is acting as Agent and advisor only.   Court documents will continue to be sent directly to the client and not to Heft Law, the court will not communicate with Heft Law,  Heft Law will not receive or send correspondence on behalf of the client. You will work with Heft Law as needed. 

Unbundled services ensure that all individuals have access to the legal system.