Limited scope representation helps self-represented litigants in California
What this basically means, is that an attorney can, in Family law, handle only certain aspects of a case, such as, for example---- JUST domestic violence, but NOT the divorce, or the child support, or the mediation recommendation......OR, for example, JUST the adoption of the mediation recommendation [which is typically done at the law and motion hearing], OR, just the issue of whether or not supervised visits are warranted temporarily, etc.
How this helps litigants who do not have a full time attorney--it can enable clients to:
- Prepare their documents legibly, completely, and accurately; ·
- Prepare their cases based on a better understanding of the law and court procedures than they would have if left on their own;
- Obtain representation for portions of their cases, such as court hearings, even if they cannot afford full representation; and
- Obtain assistance in preparing, understanding, and enforcing court orders.
This assistance can reduce the number of errors in documents; limit the time wasted by the court, litigants, and opposing attorneys because of the procedural difficulties and mistakes of self-represented litigants; and decrease docket congestion and demands on court personnel.
