A DIY Divorce or “Kitchen Table Divorce”,  is when two parties work together to resolve their divorce case by negotiating directly with one another, without attorneys present. After an agreement is reached, one party may file the documents with the court without hiring an attorney. 

Alternatively, one or both parties may hire separate attorneys to help review or draft the legal documents, and guide the client through the legal process.This is referred to as “limited scope representation” or “unbundled services”, and is an alternative to the traditional attorney-client relationship. The Center for Family Law offers limited scope representation.

Limited Scope Representation is authorized by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Rule 4-1.2(c) provides, “A lawyer may limit the scope of representation if the client gives informed consent in writing signed by the client to the essential terms of the representation and the lawyer’s limited role.”

Limited scope representation is an affordable option for many people, especially for those individuals who have minimal conflict with the other party and who do not necessarily need an attorney to help with every step of the case. Below are a few examples of limited scope representation, where the firm only handles specific aspects of your legal matter. 

• Review court filings or drafted documents that the individual has prepared, and explain the applicable law and the individual’s legal rights under the law.
• Legal research.   
• Draft specific legal documents on your behalf. For example, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (also known as a “QDRO”) to divide a spouse’s retirement accounts or a parenting plan.
• Limited courtroom appearance in order to schedule or reschedule court appearances on your behalf or address a specific legal issue.