Illinois Divorce Law - Unbundled, Ala Carte or Piecemeal Legal Services in Divorce Cases

The age of information is having its effect upon our traditional legal system. While it is not for everyone, a new method for delivery of legal services is now getting underway in Illinois. In the right situations, lawyers unbundle their services and do only parts of a client's case instead of handling the whole thing. The client does the rest. The lawyer serves as a coach or instructor and guides the client through the process. This method is obviously for clients who are concerned about cost and confident in their ability to go it alone. Our office provides this limited service as a supplement to our traditional full-service practice.

Unbundling of legal services is the practice of law with a fresh, consumer oriented approach. Today's clients have infinite access to legal information, self-help books, computer programs, on-line court forms and all kinds of tips on what to do. They are knowledgeable and inquisitive and demanding regarding their purchase, control, supervision and cost of legal services.

But, there is really no substitute for the real thing: professional advice and direction from someone who has vast experience in doing exactly what you want done. That's where unbundling comes in. Clients who have cases that are appropriate for this approach will now be able to "have their cake and eat it too." They can get the service they want at a totally controlled cost.

Clients do not sign a retainer agreement and have no commitment to the lawyer. Clients save money and use only the legal services they need or wish to pay for. Many feel that limiting the role of their attorney gives them ownership of their case and increased control over the process and strategy decisions.

In this limited-practice or unbundled approach, clients typically use the lawyers for advice on the law (or the legal system) or for ghost writing letters and court pleadings. The lawyer might also assist the client with discovery and in preparing for negotiations, mediation sessions or routine court proceedings.

It is believed that the typical client that is attracted to unbundled legal services is:

Able to afford a lawyer
Resourceful
Self-help oriented
Has a technical background
Able to do research (especially on the Internet)
Concerned that traditional lawyer involvement may do more harm than good.

Click here to view a Sample Limited Legal Services Agreement in Adobe Acrobat Reader Format (PDF).

(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view.
To download it free click here).

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This website contains legal information, and not legal advice.
Its content refers only to the law of the State of Illinois.

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The Law Offices of J. Richard Kulerski, P.C.
1200 Harger Rd. Suite 320,
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 928-0600 fax (630) 928-0670

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