Upwards of 80% of Coloradans find themselves in family law courts without lawyers. They can’t afford $5,000+ retainers. Thanks to a carve out by the Colorado Supreme Court, you have the option to a la carte family law now: unbundled services.
The Basics
Think of unbundled services as “legal coaching” rather than full representation. You stay in charge of your case while we help with specific pieces, like reviewing documents you’ve drafted, explaining court procedures, or strategizing your approach. We don’t represent you in court, show up for hearings or status conferences, or talk to the other side. But we’re here to help you effectively and more comfortably represent yourself.
How is this different from hiring a regular lawyer?
Traditional representation: The lawyer files papers for you, appears in court, handles all communications with opposing counsel, and manages every aspect of your case from start to finish.
Unbundled services: You handle the court filings, appearances, and communications yourself. We provide guidance, document review, and legal advice for specific tasks you choose.
Is this the same as mediation?
No. In mediation, we’re neutral and can’t give either party legal advice. With unbundled services, we’re your attorney providing legal advice, just for limited tasks instead of your entire case. If you want to use us as a mediator, you cannot hire us for unbundled services. There is one exception: you let the other side know you hired us for unbundled services, wish to use us as a mediator, and that side agrees. As weird as it sounds, we’ve had this happen before!
What can unbundled services include?
- Reviewing documents before you file them.
- Draft certain documents (that you then file yourself), like Motions, Responses to Motions, and Trial Management Certificates. Certain documents, if they are not readily available online, require that we disclose to the Court of our unbundled assistance.
- Explaining court procedures and deadlines, as well as that nasty gram from the Opposing Counsel!
- Helping you understand what information to gather for things like discovery, financial disclosures, and trial prep (e.g. exhibits and witness list).
- Drafting specific documents Coaching you on negotiation strategies.
- Reviewing settlement offers or custody proposals.
- Preparing you for court appearances (that you handle yourself).
What unbundled services DON’T include:
- Filing court papers for you
- Appearing in court on your behalf
- Becoming your attorney of record
- Communicating with opposing counsel or the other party
- Handling ongoing case management, such as deadline reminders (keep a Google calendar or planner handy)
Who is this good for?
People who want professional legal guidance but can handle some tasks themselves. Maybe you’re comfortable with paperwork but want a lawyer to review important documents. Or you understand your case but need help strategizing. Also those who cannot afford expensive retainers and need at least some direction on how to manage their family law case.
Who is this NOT good for?
High-conflict cases, complex custody disputes, or situations where you’re uncomfortable handling any court interactions yourself. If you want someone else to manage your case entirely, you need the traditional full representation (which costs extra). We do not make exceptions for full representation, so please understand our services and be sure you are ready to handle your case independently!
How does billing work?
We typically charge either a flat fee (retainer) for specific services or an hourly rate. You know upfront what you’re paying for. There’s no ongoing retainer or surprise bills for work you didn’t request. And our Fee Agreement is pretty straightforward. We don’t use “hereins,” “therefores,” or whatever other lawyers think is cool.
The bottom line:
Unbundled services let you get professional legal help for the parts of your case where you need it most, while you handle the rest. It’s not right for everyone, but for the right person, it’s an efficient way to get quality legal guidance without paying for full representation you might not need.
