Uncontested divorce has become increasingly popular in recent years, and family lawyers in Colorado have had to adapt to the changing landscape. Uncontested divorce is a process where both parties agree on all the terms of the divorce, including the division of property, spousal support, and child custody.
Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, uncontested divorce can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. Family lawyers in Colorado have had to adapt to this changing trend, offering their clients different options to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom.Here at COLawTeam we wholeheartedly support our clients taking matters into their own hands and are here to assist them to make smart decisions for themselves.
What are the alternatives to full representation?
One way that family lawyers are adapting to uncontested divorce is by offering alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration. These methods can be more collaborative and less confrontational than traditional litigation, which can be particularly helpful for families with children.
COLawTeam offers trained and qualified mediators who can help you and your family resolve any lingering issues. If we are retained as mediators jointly by you and the opposing party, we do not represent either party directly, but rather we are an independent third party to help you both navigate the necessary decisions. We can also help you directly, by representing you as a client in mediation with a different mediator. In addition to mediation services or mediation representation, we also offer limited scope representation (to help you represent yourself at mediation or at other times) and unbundled services (to help with discreet stages of representation) in addition to full representation.
Mediation
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps the parties communicate and negotiate an agreement. Mediation can be particularly helpful for couples who are able to communicate and cooperate with each other.
One technique is to encourage the parties to communicate their needs and interests. This helps the mediator identify areas of potential agreement and helps the parties to understand each other’s perspective.
Another technique is to help the parties identify their underlying concerns, such as fears or anxieties, that may be driving their positions. By identifying and addressing these concerns, the parties can work together to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Family lawyers in Colorado also use various techniques to manage power imbalances between the parties. For example, the mediator might use caucus sessions, where the parties meet separately with the mediator, to help level the playing field.
Overall, mediation can be a powerful tool for resolving disputes in uncontested divorces. By using various techniques to facilitate communication, address underlying concerns, and manage power imbalances, family lawyers in Colorado can help their clients achieve a more amicable and efficient resolution to their divorce.
Unbundled Representation
Unbundled legal services is a legal practice where a lawyer provides assistance to a client for specific tasks or parts of a case, rather than handling the entire case from start to finish (full representation). Under this arrangement, the lawyer and client agree to the scope of the lawyer’s services and everything else is not covered. These tasks may include legal research, document preparation, or limited court appearances for specific purposes, depending on the agreement between the lawyer and client.
Limited scope representation is often used in situations where a client cannot afford full representation. It can also be a way for lawyers to provide more affordable legal services to clients who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
It’s important to note that the scope of the lawyer’s representation and the specific tasks they will be handling will be clearly defined in a written contract/engagement agreement between the lawyer and client. This is bite-sized legal representation, basically. The written contract is necessary to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are clear on their responsibilities.To expand the scope of representation into the next bite, a written amendment to expand the scope of the representation is required.
Limited Scope Representation at COLawTeam
Most attorneys stop at either full scope representation or unbundled Here at COLawTeam we do things a bit differently, and we offer a third option. Our limited scope representation is where we help clients behind the scenes to represent themselves pro se in court and at mediation. This is helpful for sophisticated clients to be able to get the limited legal advice they need and to have help reviewing pleadings they draft themselves.
Similar to unbundled legal services, the engagement letters and scope of representation is reduced to writing so all clients can be on the same page. It is an ideal type of representation for clients who want to take an active role in their own case and who can negotiate successfully and amicably with the other party.
Conclusion
Overall, the rise of uncontested divorce has changed the legal landscape in Colorado, and family lawyers have had to adapt to the changing circumstances. By offering alternative dispute resolution methods and unbundled legal services, family lawyers in Colorado are better able to serve the needs of their clients and provide them with more cost-effective and efficient legal assistance. We love helping people who just need a bit of legal assistance to divorce amicably with the other side. Contact COLawTeam for help on this type of case today!
