What Are Unbundled Services In Family Law?

What are unbundled services in family law?

Some family law disputes are easier than others to resolve. And sometimes, getting a second opinion on much bigger issues, like your divorce settlement, could lead to a better outcome. Or, at the very least, a deeper level of confidence in knowing that your settlement is equitable. 

For situations like these, we recommend that you consider our unbundled services. Unbundled legal services, sometimes referred to as limited scope representation, means that our team is working on just a specific aspect of your case. In many instances, this approach is designed to support a client who is otherwise handling the rest of the case on their own. 

Unbundled family law services, for some, is a more affordable option that allows them to get the vital legal services they need that they otherwise couldn’t if a lawyer were to take on all aspects of the case. This also helps things move through the judicial system more efficiently than if a person were to take on all aspects of a legal matter themselves. 

At DBMA, we tend to talk about our unbundled services as an à la carte approach to providing family law counsel. Sometimes you don’t need, or want, the entire meal, but there is often that one specific item that, when enjoyed on its own, just might be the greatest thing you’ve ever tasted. We take the very same approach with our services. You’ll get exactly what you want to pay for to create your own outcome. 

What are examples of DBMA’s unbundled family law services?

You’re going through an uncontested divorce — In cases like these, we can provide you with legal counsel and draft the legal documents for you. Then, after we’ve provided you with the proper documentation, you can file the Petition for Dissolution on your own behalf. (Filing on your own is also sometimes referred to as “pro se,” which is Latin for “in one’s own behalf,” and is an example of why the legal system can be so unnecessarily complicated — we’re here to simplify things for you!)

You’re going through mediation and need legal advice — Mediation, although designed to turn the temperature down in situations like divorce, can still cause you to question if your potential settlement is as equitable as it could be. Yes, your hope is to handle everything as quickly and as simply as possible within mediation, but when you have legal questions, the mediator cannot answer them.  In those instances we can offer counsel and fresh ideas to help you feel more confident in your decision? This is where we can step in and provide you unbundled support. 

We’ll review where you’re at in the mediation process, as well as provide you with our objective feedback and arm you with important information and questions that can then be used throughout the mediation process so that you can feel more secure that your interests are being better represented. 

You need a second set of eyes on your forms — Here’s what they don’t show you on TV: The legal process relies very heavily on forms and documentation. It’s far from sexy, but it provides a record for everyone who might be involved in your case. In theory, this is a good thing, but in practice, especially for those who aren’t as well-versed in the legal system as we are, there’s a ton of room for error. 

Making mistakes on your forms can equate to massive delays in resolving your dispute, not to mention any fees that might be associated with having to file the documents yourself over and over again. So, in hiring us as a second set of eyes to review your documents and provide guidance if and when things need to be changed, you can be secure in knowing that the paperwork you’re filing is in tip-top shape. What’s more, you’re more likely to have a much-needed papertrail in the instance that there are further disputes down the road.

Collaborative representation - In a collaborative divorce, we offer representation without filing legal motions and representing you in court.  For that reason, a collaborative divorce is an unbundled service.

Of course, there are many other services we provide that are unbundled. If you’re unsure that we offer services that pertain to your specific needs, just contact us — we’d be happy to provide you with the appropriate guidance!

What services aren’t, and probably shouldn’t be, unbundled?

Unbundled family law services work really well for certain types of cases. However, there are many things that don’t fit into the world of limited scope representation. 

If you’re looking for support related to a pension, a retirement account, or any complex financial situation, then unbundled services, other than a collaborative divorce, are most likely not the right fit. Reviewing all aspects of these cases and providing you with guidance typically takes far longer than an hour or two. You can’t, and shouldn’t, rush through these types of situations. Even the best in their field might make mistakes here. 

The same is true for divorce disputes that include children, property, and investments. Or cases where there is animosity between both parties and mediation just isn’t possible. We advise hiring us to provide broader scope services for these sorts of cases. They’re far too complex, and there’s far too much at stake for you to try and DIY it. 

Look at it this way: Using unbundled legal services is a lot like doing your own small home repairs. You’re getting guidance from expert-led instructional videos and then executing the rest by yourself. But if something major happened, like a pipe burst, for instance, you’d hire a professional plumber to do the job efficiently and correctly.  

Want to learn more about our unbundled services? We’d love to help!
Contact DBMA Family Law today for your confidential consultation.