Pro se litigants: Limited Scope Representation is an option in Montana

It appears that especially in Family Law (which incorporates Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Child Support, etc.) that more and more litigants are pro se, meaning that they are representing themselves in court without an attorney present.

While the obvious benefit to doing this is certainly saving money, I do not recommend handling legal matters without at least consulting a lawyer on your matters first.  Even in one consultation, lawyers can direct you where to go, what the outcome most likely will be, and how to handle the process.  And that means only a one time fee.

There is another option for those people trying to save money, however.  There is an option called Limited Scope Representation.

Recently, the Montana Supreme Court Equal Justice Task Force, the Montana Supreme Court Commission on Self-Represented Litigants, and the State Bar Access to Justice Committee petitioned the Montana Supreme Court to adopt changes to the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct and the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure.  The intent of this was to encourage Limited Scope Representation (LSR) by Montana lawyers, as one way of addressing the legal needs of low-income Montanans.

This means that I can now assist clients on one-time matters, instead of clients having to retain me to represent them on all matters, requiring a retainer fee.  Now, if you need help with one document, or one part of your case, I can represent you in a Limited Scope.  This limits the attorney's role to one or more individual proceedings in an action.  This means that the lawyer will not show up in court on your behalf, or necessarily be required to answer pleadings, papers or other documents.  It means that lawyers will now only be responsible for that part of your case that you agreed on beforehand, by signing a limited scope agreement.

Myself or any family law attorney can assist you in these matters, and fully discuss limited scope options with you.  This is a great way to still represent yourself but have input from an attorney where you need help.  (And save some money!)

For more information on how helpful this can be, you can read the article by Klaus Sitte, Montana Legal Services Association Director, a link provided here: Limited Scope Representation: Increasing Access for Pro Se Litigants.