Many people choose the "do-it-yourself" divorce option. Sometimes parties can afford divorce attorneys but do not like the idea of an attorney being involved in their affairs. Often, however, people simply cannot afford to have an attorney represent them. The Law Offices of Forrest R. Collins offers services to clients who choose the do-it-yourself divorce but who find that they have some questions along the way. This approach allows clients to purchase only the services they need or can afford without having to retain an attorney for full representation.
Forrest Collins is pleased to offer the following "unbundled" or "limited" legal services to clients who choose a do-it-yourself divorce:
Document Review: There are many documents in any divorce or family law case. These can be difficult to understand for someone not used to reviewing legal documents. Clients can pay to have these documents reviewed and explained to them by a divorce attorney. Clients often need assistance reviewing judgments and mediated agreements, but this service can apply to any document associated with your case.
Document Drafting: From the initial filing through the final divorce judgment, there are many documents that need to be drafted in every case. People can download many forms online or purchase them from the courthouse. The problem with these documents is that they are premade forms that may not meet the needs of your case. A divorce attorney can help you select the documents that are right for your case and prepare them in a way that is appropriate for your case.
Coaching/Preparation: It can be intimidating for someone to go into a legal negotiation or a hearing for the first time. A divorce attorney can assist you in preparing for these events by advising you of what to expect procedurally as well as preparing you to negotiate or argue your position.
Legal Advice: Clients typically have a sense of what they want to accomplish, but often do not understand the legal framework surrounding the issues of their case. A meeting with a divorce attorney can help a litigant better understand what they need to prove in order to prevail in their case. For example, clients are typically unaware there are six statutory factors that are considered in custody cases as well as important factors that only appear in caselaw.
Contact Forrest Collins to learn about the next steps you can take in this process. You can read more about DIY Divorce in this article by Forrest.
Note: The attorney and client will sign a limited services representation agreement before any services are provided. This agreement advises the client of the limited nature of the representation. In an unbundled services arrangement an attorney's liability for malpractice is limited to those services the attorney has actually been retained to provide.