Many people choose the "do-it-yourself" divorce option. Sometimes people can afford divorce attorneys but do not like the idea of an attorney being involved in their lives. Often, however, people simply cannot afford to have an attorney represent them. Forrest Collins offers services to clients who choose a do-it-yourself divorce but who want some help 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 menu of "unbundled" or "limited" legal services to clients who choose a do-it-yourself divorce. Payments can be made at the time of service and no retainer is required.
Note: The services described on this page are for people who are representing themselves in a traditional divorce process. If you and your spouse wish to work together on your divorce – which is highly encouraged – then we suggest that you read more about Kitchen Table Mediation or divorce mediation.
Filing for Divorce or Custody – $500. This service is for people who need their Petition and related documents drafted and want legal advice as they begin the divorce process. This service includes:
- A one-hour meeting with Forrest
- Drafting the Petition and all documents necessary to file for divorce (including any changes to the documents before the documents are actually filed)
- Assistance with filing the divorce documents
- Our guarantee that your documents will be accepted by the court
- This service does not include filing any “extra” motions that may be related to your case or the payment of any filing fees. This service does not apply to modification filings.
Filing a Response – $375. This service is for people who have been served divorce or custody paperwork and need to file a response. This service includes:
- A one-hour meeting with Forrest
- Drafting the Response and related paperwork (including any changes to the documents before the documents are actually filed)
- Assistance with filing the Response document
- Our guarantee that your documents will be accepted by the court
- This service does not include filing any “extra” motions that may be related to your case or the payment of any filing fees. This service does not apply to modification filings.
Judgment Review – $500. This service is for people who have received a divorce or custody judgment from their spouse or their spouse’s attorney. This service includes:
- Forrest will review your judgment prior to your meeting
- A one-hour meeting with Forrest
- After your meeting, Forrest will email you detailed comments and/or suggested changes to the documents
- Note: If you need additional assistance beyond what is offered in this package, additional time can be purchased as described below in the Legal Education and Advice section.
Legal Education and Advice – $125/$250/$375. This service is for people who want to understand the law and how it may apply to their case. Meetings can be limited to one or two topics that are important to you, or you can receive advice about your entire case. For your convenience, these appointments can be scheduled in 30, 60 or 90 minute meetings. This service includes:
- Either a 30, 60 or 90 minute meeting with Forrest to discuss the topics that are important to you
- After your meeting, Forrest will email you a recap of comments or suggested changes to the documents
Coaching – $125/$250/$375. This service is for people who want to discuss a variety of topics related to their case. Topics may include: How do I negotiate effectively? How do I prepare for an upcoming hearing? How do I get my spouse to agree to an out of court divorce? These appointments are available in 30, 60 or 90 minute meetings. This service includes:
- Either a 30, 60 or 90 minute meeting with Forrest to discuss the topics that are important to you
- After your meeting, Forrest will email you a recap of comments or suggested changes to the documents
- Note: Coaching and Legal Education can be combined in the same meeting.
Important: 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.
Contact Forrest Collins to scheudle an appointment for help with your DIY Divorce. You can read more about DIY Divorce in this article by Forrest.