When hiring an attorney for your divorce, you have to consider whether the attorney will represent you for the entire divorce or for only one issue in the case.
Full representation means you’re hiring an attorney to represent you for the entire case, to assist in the resolution of all of the matters that arise in the divorce from start to finish. Sometimes full representation isn’t necessary or may be cost-prohibitive.
Limited representation means that you retain an attorney to address a specific issue, typically limited in time and/or scope. Here are some examples:
- You and your spouse can resolve your issues without going to trial, but you want an attorney to help with negotiating and drafting a settlement agreement.
- You want to attempt mediation to see if you can settle your matter before filing, but do not feel comfortable doing so without an attorney, so you want an attorney to accompany you to mediation.
- You are comfortable handling most aspects of the case, but you know that you don’t want to represent yourself at a hearing or a trial.
- You need help only with a particular issue in your case or a dispositive motion.
- You need help securing documents from a third party or from your spouse to evaluate or present your case.
Keep in mind that if you secure an attorney’s assistance on a limited basis for a very specific issue or event, then you will remain unrepresented in the underlying divorce case, and you must represent yourself for all other issues.
At Nicole L. Goetz, P.L. we can guide you through the divorce process from start to finish, including litigation and appeals, if necessary. We also can handle specific elements of your divorce case. If you have questions, would like to receive more information, or need an attorney to assist you during this difficult and often complicated process, please call our office in Naples, Florida at 239-325-5030 to schedule a confidential consultation with our attorneys.
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The information provided on law and legal topics is designed for general information only and does not constitute nor should it be considered legal advice. It is not a substitute, nor should it be considered a substitute, for legal advice from a qualified attorney who is knowledgeable about your specific factual situation.
