People now have greater flexibility
than ever before in accessing and utilizing legal services. “Unbundling” of
legal services is now allowed and the effect should be greater accessibility has
created greater access to legal services by segments of the population
historically unable to secure needed assistance of counsel in dealing with
legal projects. The one exception to this new form of representation is
criminal law. Unbundled services is a development we at Parnell, Michels &
McKay, PLLC offer in certain cases, as it means we will have much greater
flexibility in customizing services to fit clients’ particular needs where
money is a real issue for the client.
Simply put, unbundling means
breaking down a project into its component parts. Once a legal project is broken
down, it is easier to determine what a particular individual is capable of
doing on their own and what they may need assistance to complete. A home
remodeling project is a good way to demonstrate unbundling. Included in the
typical bundled remodeling project is framing, drywall installation, wiring,
floor covering installation and painting or wallpapering. After breaking the
project down to its components, or “unbundling” the project, one can determine what
he or she comfortably can do and with what components he/she will need help.
For example many are comfortable painting or wallpapering but might be
uncomfortable with the other components of remodeling. With an unbundled approach to remodeling, the
homeowner secures services only in the components he or she does not feel
skilled enough to handle.
How does this process work? It is
actually pretty simple. Like the remodeling example, any legal project can be
broken down into component parts. For example let us take a simple divorce.
Among others, components of a simple divorce include initiating the action with
a petition for divorce; engaging in discovery (the process of learning the
other side’s case, how they intend to support it and securing information from
the other side that helps present your case); document preparation; determination
of support issues, property settlement, motion practice and court appearances.
An individual contemplating a divorce or finding themselves a party in one
initiated by their spouse and wanting to explore the option of unbundled services,
simply determines, ideally in consultation with a legal professional, what
components of the process they are comfortable handling and the components with
which they would like assistance. An agreement is then made, and the attorney
does the agreed upon work, and the client handles the rest of the matter they
are comfortable with on their own.
Another
option is limited representation. This is similar to unbundled services, but is
more appropriate when a person only wants the attorney to handle a single
hearing. For example in the divorce context, a person may only want
representation at a mediation or for a status conference/temporary hearing. The
client can then provide the attorney with a smaller retainer, and the attorney
can handle that specific hearing. Once the hearing is concluded, and the orders
issued by the Court, the attorney’s representation ends unless the client wants
the attorney to continue to be involved. Limited representation is allowed in
certain contexts, and may not be appropriate for all cases. However, it
provides greater access to legal services to those that may be unable to afford
an attorney full-time.
At Parnell, Michels & McKay,
PLLC, we offer unbundled services and limited representation in certain
contexts. Our goal throughout our existence has been to provide competent legal
services at a reasonable cost. If you find yourself in need of legal help, contact
us today.
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