The Law Office
Of Kari Nelson
"Helping the
scales of justice balance in your favor."
Limited Scope
Representation (LSR) – We are now here to help you on a budget.
Limited Scope Representation (LSR) (or "unbundling") allows you to get expert advice on your case while keeping you in control of exactly what type of help you help you need. LSR is a great family law option for the pro se or self-represented litigant who cannot afford or does not want the traditional full representation attorney because you can handle certain aspects on your own. Limited scope representation allows an attorney and you (the client) to have a contractual agreement that limits the scope of the attorney's representation and limits the services the attorney will perform.
1 . What are some examples of LSR?
You and the lawyer can agree that you perform some of the work in your case and the lawyer will do others. For example: You can just consult a lawyer and get legal information and advice about your case when you need it . You can hire the lawyer to represent you on certain issues in your case (such as child support and/or custody) while you do the rest yourself. You can hire the lawyer to prepare the forms and other court documentation but file them yourself and represent yourself at the hearings . You can hire the lawyer to coach you on how to represent yourself at the court hearings and help in the preparation of evidence that you will present in court . You can hire the lawyer to help you with the more complicated parts of your case such as discovery and legal research while you do the simpler tasks yourself If you chose to handle your case this way, remember that communication and teamwork is the key to success in limited scope representation cases. You must make sure to discuss your legal matter with the attorney in detail and ask questions about issues that are not clear to you. Remember that you and your attorney must have a clear understanding of each others' assignments.
2. What are the benefits of LSR?
Limited Scope Representation provides you a way to receive assistance on just the parts of you case you want or need assistance. This model allows you to maintain more control of your case. Also by doing the simpler parts of the case yourself and focusing the attorney's time on the complicated tasks that you do not think you can do effectively yourself, you save yourself money.
Remember that the attorney has had the education and experience to work on the more technical parts of your case, guide you throughout the court process, and spot important legal issues that you may not see on your own.
3. Do courts accept this type of legal assistance?
Most courts accept this type of legal assistance because it can help self-represented litigants get as much assistance that will protect their rights. An attorney at your side in a limited scope manner will give you an opportunity of covering all bases when you present your case. Verification of each court's policy regarding limited scope representation will be conducted prior to taking your case.
4. What forms and contracts should I know about?
There are special forms and service contracts that have to be used by you and your attorney when you agree to limited scope representation. You can always agree to increase or change the scope of representation between the two of you at any time.
A special notice has to be filed in the case to inform the court and the other party of the limited scope representation if the attorney is going to appear in the case for you.
5. Is LSR right for me?
There are certain restrictions that apply but you can call our office directly to see if you qualify. After a brief phone consultation, you should be able to determine if this is something that will work for you.
The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Although I hope the information contained on this website will be helpful, it should not be a substitute for legal advice from an attorney that has reviewed the intricacy of your case.
Limited Scope Representation (LSR) (or "unbundling") allows you to get expert advice on your case while keeping you in control of exactly what type of help you help you need. LSR is a great family law option for the pro se or self-represented litigant who cannot afford or does not want the traditional full representation attorney because you can handle certain aspects on your own. Limited scope representation allows an attorney and you (the client) to have a contractual agreement that limits the scope of the attorney's representation and limits the services the attorney will perform.
1 . What are some examples of LSR?
You and the lawyer can agree that you perform some of the work in your case and the lawyer will do others. For example: You can just consult a lawyer and get legal information and advice about your case when you need it . You can hire the lawyer to represent you on certain issues in your case (such as child support and/or custody) while you do the rest yourself. You can hire the lawyer to prepare the forms and other court documentation but file them yourself and represent yourself at the hearings . You can hire the lawyer to coach you on how to represent yourself at the court hearings and help in the preparation of evidence that you will present in court . You can hire the lawyer to help you with the more complicated parts of your case such as discovery and legal research while you do the simpler tasks yourself If you chose to handle your case this way, remember that communication and teamwork is the key to success in limited scope representation cases. You must make sure to discuss your legal matter with the attorney in detail and ask questions about issues that are not clear to you. Remember that you and your attorney must have a clear understanding of each others' assignments.
2. What are the benefits of LSR?
Limited Scope Representation provides you a way to receive assistance on just the parts of you case you want or need assistance. This model allows you to maintain more control of your case. Also by doing the simpler parts of the case yourself and focusing the attorney's time on the complicated tasks that you do not think you can do effectively yourself, you save yourself money.
Remember that the attorney has had the education and experience to work on the more technical parts of your case, guide you throughout the court process, and spot important legal issues that you may not see on your own.
3. Do courts accept this type of legal assistance?
Most courts accept this type of legal assistance because it can help self-represented litigants get as much assistance that will protect their rights. An attorney at your side in a limited scope manner will give you an opportunity of covering all bases when you present your case. Verification of each court's policy regarding limited scope representation will be conducted prior to taking your case.
4. What forms and contracts should I know about?
There are special forms and service contracts that have to be used by you and your attorney when you agree to limited scope representation. You can always agree to increase or change the scope of representation between the two of you at any time.
A special notice has to be filed in the case to inform the court and the other party of the limited scope representation if the attorney is going to appear in the case for you.
5. Is LSR right for me?
There are certain restrictions that apply but you can call our office directly to see if you qualify. After a brief phone consultation, you should be able to determine if this is something that will work for you.
The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Although I hope the information contained on this website will be helpful, it should not be a substitute for legal advice from an attorney that has reviewed the intricacy of your case.
Law Office of Kari Nelson
PO Box 44-2588
Lawrence, KS 66044
Telephone: (785) 979-4985
Fax: (785) 312-9052
kari@knlawoffice.com