Unbundled Legal Services: Expert Help, On Your Budget.
Can't afford a full retainer? Take control of your costs with 'Limited Scope' representation. Hire a Senior Family Lawyer for specific tasks—like drafting documents or coaching you for court—while handling the rest yourself.
Legal Review: Tailor Law offers Limited Scope Retainers in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Family Law Rules, reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer.
What Are Unbundled Legal Services?
Unbundled services (or a 'Limited Scope Retainer') allow you to hire a lawyer for specific parts of your case while you remain self-represented for the rest. Instead of paying a large retainer for full representation, you pay only for the services you need—such as drafting a complex Affidavit, negotiating a settlement offer, or appearing for a single Case Conference. This bridges the gap between going it alone and hiring a full-time lawyer.
Build Your Own Legal Support
Select the specific services where you need the most protection.
Legal Coaching
We stay in the background. You consult us before court to learn the law, understand judge expectations, and plan your arguments, but you speak for yourself in court.
Document Drafting ('Ghostwriting')
The most common service. We draft your Application, Answer, or Financial Statement to ensure it is legally sound, and you file it under your own name.
Limited Appearance
You hire us to appear for a specific high-stakes day, such as a Case Conference or a Motion. We represent you for that day only, then withdraw.
Settlement Review (ILA)
You negotiated an agreement with your ex? We review it to ensure it is fair and provide the mandatory Independent Legal Advice (ILA) certificate.
Is Limited Scope Right For You?
This model requires you to stay organized.
The Benefits
Cost Control:
You save thousands by doing the administrative work (filing, serving documents) yourself.
Control:
You remain the decision-maker and keep direct control over the speed of the litigation.
The Risks
Missed Deadlines:
Because we are not 'on record' for the whole case, we do not receive court notices. You are responsible for tracking all dates.
Complexity:
If the case suddenly becomes complex (e.g., an emergency motion is filed against you), you may need to upgrade to full representation quickly.
How to Hire Us for Limited Scope
The Scope Consultation
We meet to review your case and identify the 'high-risk' areas where a lawyer's touch is essential vs. the administrative tasks you can handle.
The Retainer Agreement
We sign a specific contract that clearly defines what we *are* doing (e.g., 'Drafting Notice of Motion') and what we are *not* doing (e.g., 'Filing the Motion').
Execution of Task
We complete the drafted work or appear for the scheduled hearing.
Conclusion of Retainer
Once the specific task is done, our legal liability ends. You continue as a self-represented litigant until you need us again.
Unbundled Services FAQs
Related Resources
Explore other ways we can help you navigate your family law matter
Separation Agreements
Draft a comprehensive separation agreement with legal guidance.
Case Conferences
Get expert representation for your first appearance or case conference.
Legal Coaching for Self-Represented
Get expert guidance to navigate your case confidently without full representation.
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor believes in Access to Justice. She helps self-represented litigants navigate the system with targeted, affordable legal interventions.
View Full BioDon't Go to Court Alone. Get Help Where It Counts.
Strategic legal support when you need it most—without breaking the bank.
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