Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer for the Entire Family Law Matter?

No. There are situations where you may be able to hire a lawyer to represent you for parts of the family law matter. For example, you may be able to retain a lawyer to help you evaluate your family law case and advise you on the next steps, how to represent yourself at mediation and in court. In that situation, you would be responsible for all the paperwork and the work in court; a lawyer would function as a legal support person. As another example, you may be able to retain a lawyer to analyze your proposed divorce judgment to point out weaknesses and strengths.

Normally, when you retain a lawyer, you receive full service. If you wish to consider hiring a lawyer for only the more challenging aspects of your family law case, you can ask a lawyer if limited representation is appropriate in your situation. If the lawyer believes limited representation would be effective and appropriate, he or she will ask you to sign a limited representation agreement. If not, the lawyer will discuss the alternatives, which include normal full service or representing yourself. For assistance with family law matters, please contact Molly J. Watson.