The State Bar of Michigan has approved attorneys to represent clients in a “limited scope” capacity. This is a new way allowing attorneys to provide legal services to clients without the attorney being required to enter into and represent you in all parts of your divorce case.
WHAT DOES LIMITED SCOPE MEAN TO YOU?
Limited scope representation means you can hire an attorney in an “a la carte” or “unbundled” capacity, hiring an attorney for specific tasks in your divorce case. This allows you and your attorney to decide what tasks you will handle on your own, and what tasks you wish the attorney to be responsible for.
The limited scope representation rules in the State of Michigan allow attorneys to prepare legal documents without entering into the case, and without attending court hearings for the client. This is called ghostwriting.
HOW WILL LIMITED SCOPE BENEFIT YOU?
When you retain an attorney under limited scope, you will only pay your attorney for the legal work you need assistance with. This will give you total control over your legal fees. You will have to handle parts of your case on your own, but can pay your attorney to handle the more difficult parts of your case. And, because the attorney is not entering into your case, you maintain total control of your case and the decisions made in your case.
WHAT SERVICES CAN AN ATTORNEY PROVIDE UNDER LIMITED SCOPE?
Under limited scope representation, attorneys are allowed to assist you in many ways as follows:
- Legal research
- Preparing legal documents
- Reviewing legal documents (either that you have prepared or received)
- Serving court papers on the other party
- Providing legal advice
- Negotiating on your behalf or reviewing a settlement agreement
- Preparing you to attend court hearings on your own
- Represent you in court for a specific hearing
- Assisting you with discovery (requests and responses)
WILL LIMITED SCOPE WORK FOR YOU?
The new limited scope rules state the attorney must ensure that your part of the work is reasonable under the circumstances. This means the attorney must believe you are able to represent yourself. The limited scope rules also require the attorney obtain your “informed consent” when providing legal service under limited scope. The agreement must clearly define what legal service the attorney will provide, so that you understand what legal service you will receive.
ASK ME ABOUT MY LIMITED SCOPE LEGAL SERVICES
We invite you to call Schmitt Law, PLLC to learn more about how we can assist you through our Limited Scope Legal Services. We will meet with you to create a strategy for your specific legal needs, and assist you through every step of your case, one step at a time. We offer limited scope services on an hourly basis, and you pay when the legal service is provided. Therefore, there are no future invoices, or hefty retainers to be paid up front. You simply pay as you go, and only pay for the services you really need. No surprise invoices – just clear prices defined before we get started. For skilled legal guidance, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC online or call (616) 608-4634 to arrange a consultation. Whenever you are ready, we are here for you.
Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, Mi 49503.
