Over the last decade, the demand for legal representation, particularly in the area of family law has increased. At the same time however, the costs to hire an attorney for full legal representation has increased as well. Finding free or reduced fee legal services has been nearly impossible for many. As profit margins have decreased for big law firms, their commitment to donating free services to people who cannot afford an attorney has wained. In addition, there are many “middle class” individuals who do not qualify for public assistance or other help in obtaining a free lawyer (called “pro bono”).
With limited options become ever more limited, many people have resorted to trying to “do it themselves” and be their own lawyer (called acting “pro se”). They know they must get out of a bad marriage or get court orders for their children. In desperation, they may look for legal forms they find for free online. However, many find that the old adage “you get what you pay for” holds especially true when it comes to legal services. People without any formal legal training are often bewildered by the process and the complex maze of documents. Forms are readily found online, but are they the right forms? And if they, there is a good chance they are outdated and are no longer adequate (if they ever where) in court, or are not proper in their jurisdiction. They become frustrated when the Courts will not (and cannot) provide them with answers to their legal matter. Turning to nationwide paid services such as Legal Zoom who prepare forms is often a frustrating exercise and a waste of money. There seems to be no good middle option for people who need just some assistance but cannot afford the $5K to $10K for initial retainers for full retainers, nor can they afford to send twice or three times that amount before their case is concluded when all aspects of their case is handled by an attorney.
Amidst this growing problem, a new breed of lawyer has emerged to answer the need. The day may have arrived for the “Limited Scope” attorney to help people gain fair access to our justice system.
Limited scope legal services is a method of legal representation in which an attorney and client agree to limit the scope of the attorney’s involvement just to those specific areas in which the client needs the assistance of an experienced attorney. Other aspects of the case are left to the client to save the client money and give them more control.
Limited Scope legal services are employed as an attempt to lower costs for the client by reducing the amount of time the attorney spends- and therefore the amount the attorney bills- on a legal matter.
Do you think “Limited Scope Representation” is right for you? Find out the details of this unique legal alternative by getting our free infographic: “Top Four Ways You Can Save THOUSANDS on Your Divorce.” To order your free copy, visit us at to www.thepalmerlawfirm.com/top-four.html
