Unbundled Legal Services in Burlington
Get experienced family law assistance for the specific parts of your case where you need it most—without necessarily retaining a lawyer to manage every aspect of your matter.
What Are Unbundled Legal Services?
Unbundled legal services allow you to hire a lawyer for defined parts of a family law matter while you remain responsible for other parts yourself.
This type of arrangement is also commonly known as a limited scope retainer.
Instead of automatically retaining a lawyer to manage the entire case, you and the lawyer agree on which specific legal services will be provided.
For people who are capable of managing portions of their own case, this can provide access to experienced legal guidance at important stages of the process.
You Don't Always Need Help With Everything.
You may only need assistance reviewing an agreement, preparing documents, understanding your legal rights or getting ready for an important step in family court.
A limited-scope arrangement clearly identifies which work the lawyer will handle and which responsibilities remain with you.
Unbundled Family Law Services
Depending on your circumstances and the agreed scope of the retainer, assistance may include services such as:
Document Preparation & Review
Get professional assistance with important family law documents.
- Family court forms
- Affidavits
- Financial statements
- Conference documents
- Settlement documents
Independent Legal Advice
Understand the legal implications of an agreement before making important decisions.
- Separation agreements
- Domestic contracts
- Settlement terms
- Legal rights and obligations
- Potential consequences
Court Preparation
Prepare for an upcoming stage in the Ontario family court process.
- Understanding court procedure
- Preparing your position
- Organizing evidence
- Conference preparation
- Understanding next steps
Family Law Advice
Get advice concerning a specific issue without necessarily retaining counsel for the entire case.
- Divorce & separation
- Parenting arrangements
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property issues
Negotiation & Settlement Guidance
Better understand settlement options and how proposed terms may affect you and your family.
- Settlement strategy
- Reviewing proposals
- Understanding your options
- Agreement review
- Legal guidance
Specific Legal Steps
Where appropriate and agreed upon, a limited-scope retainer may focus on a particular stage or legal task within a larger matter.
- Defined legal tasks
- Specific court stages
- Document preparation
- Legal strategy
- Targeted representation
The Benefits—and Your Responsibilities
Limited-scope legal services give you greater flexibility, but they also require you to take an active role in your matter.
Greater Control Over Legal Services
- Choose specific areas where you want legal assistance
- Focus legal time on important issues
- Remain actively involved in your own matter
- Get experienced advice when you need it
- Adjust the level of assistance as circumstances change
You Remain Responsible for the Rest
- Understanding exactly what your lawyer is handling
- Tracking deadlines outside the agreed scope
- Managing documents you are responsible for
- Following court requirements and instructions
- Seeking additional assistance if your case changes
A Clearly Defined Scope From the Beginning
Both you and your lawyer should understand exactly which services are included in the limited-scope arrangement.
Initial Consultation
Discuss your family law matter, your concerns and the areas where you believe you need legal assistance.
Define the Scope
Identify the specific legal services the lawyer will provide and the responsibilities that will remain with you.
Legal Work
The agreed legal advice, document work, preparation or other limited services are completed.
Continue Your Matter
Once the defined work is complete, you continue handling the remaining portions of your case unless further assistance is arranged.
Looking Specifically for Legal Coaching?
Legal coaching is another option for self-represented family law clients who want advice, preparation and strategic guidance while continuing to handle their own matter.
Over 40 Years of Family Law Experience
Sally Chiarelli has been resolving family law matters since 1982, providing practical legal advice and personal support to individuals and families.
Her experience includes appearances before:
The appropriate level of legal assistance will depend on your circumstances. Sally can discuss your matter and help you understand whether a limited-scope arrangement or broader representation may be appropriate.
Schedule an Initial ConsultationUnbundled Legal Services FAQs
What are unbundled legal services?
What is a limited scope retainer?
Can I hire a family lawyer just to review documents?
Can I receive legal advice while representing myself?
Are unbundled services the same as legal coaching?
Are limited-scope services appropriate for every family law case?
Can the scope of legal services change later?
Get Legal Help Where
You Need It Most.
Speak with Sally Chiarelli about your family law matter and whether unbundled or limited-scope legal services may be appropriate for you.
905-336-9661 Schedule an Initial Consultation