Limited Scope & Unbundled Legal Services for Florida Divorce (2026 Guide)

What Is Limited Scope Representation in Florida Divorce?

Limited scope representation (also called "unbundled legal services" or "à la carte legal help") means hiring an attorney for specific tasks only—not your entire case. You handle some parts yourself while getting professional help where it matters most.

Under Florida Bar Rule 4-1.2(c), attorneys can limit the scope of representation if the client gives informed consent. This is increasingly common in family law because:

• Full representation can cost $10,000-$50,000+
• Many people can handle routine tasks themselves
• Professional help is critical for complex legal documents
• Courts accept limited appearance attorneys

Example: You represent yourself (pro se) but hire an attorney to:

• Review your spouse's settlement offer ($149)
• Prepare your parenting plan ($395)
• Represent you at one hearing ($495)

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How Limited Scope Differs From Full Representation

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Common Limited Scope Services for Florida Divorce

Consultations & Strategy

• Strategy Session — $125: 30-minute call to assess your situation, explain options, recommend next steps
• Document Review — $149: Attorney reviews documents you've received and explains what they mean
• Consultation — $195: 1-hour deep dive into your specific legal questions

Document Preparation

• Petition Package — $495: Petition for Dissolution + Summons + service instructions
• Parenting Plan — $395: Florida-compliant parenting plan with your agreed terms
• Marital Settlement Agreement — $795: Comprehensive MSA covering all divorce terms
• Child Support Calculation — $195: Official Florida guidelines worksheet
• Answer to Petition — $395: If you've been served, respond properly
• Counterpetition — $495: File your own requests in response

Court Appearances

• Single Hearing — $495: Attorney appears for one hearing only
• Final Hearing — $395: Representation at uncontested final hearing
• Mediation — $2,995: Up to 6 hours of mediation advocacy

Modifications

• Modify Child Support — $695: Petition to change support amount
• Modify Parenting Plan — $695: Petition to change custody/time-sharing
• Modify Alimony — $695: Petition to change spousal support

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Who Should Consider Unbundled Legal Services?

Limited scope representation works best when:

Good Candidates:

• You and your spouse generally agree on terms
• You're comfortable handling paperwork and court procedures
• Your case doesn't involve complex assets or businesses
• You want professional review of important documents
• You need help with one specific issue (custody, support calculation)
• Budget is a significant concern

Consider Full Representation If:

• Your spouse has an attorney and you don't
• There's domestic violence or power imbalance
• Significant assets, businesses, or retirement accounts involved
• High-conflict custody dispute
• You're overwhelmed by the legal process
• Stakes are too high to risk errors

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How to Use Limited Scope Services Effectively

Step 1: Start With a Strategy Session ($125)

Before doing anything else, get 30 minutes with an attorney to:

• Understand your rights under Florida law
• Identify which tasks you can handle yourself
• Learn which documents are most important
• Get a roadmap for your specific situation

Step 2: Handle Routine Tasks Yourself

Things most people can do themselves:

• Gather financial documents
• Complete financial affidavits (with guidance)
• Serve papers through a process server
• File documents with the clerk
• Attend uncontested hearings

Step 3: Get Professional Help for Critical Documents

Hire an attorney to prepare or review:

• Marital Settlement Agreement — This is the contract that governs your divorce. Errors are costly.
• Parenting Plan — Your custody arrangement for the next 18 years. Don't wing it.
• QDRO (retirement division) — Technical document that must satisfy IRS and plan administrator rules
• Any document you don't fully understand

Step 4: Consider Representation for Hearings

If your case goes to court, even one hearing with an attorney can:

• Ensure proper procedure
• Present evidence effectively
• Respond to judge's questions appropriately
• Avoid waiving important rights

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Florida Courts Support Self-Representation

Florida has extensive resources for pro se (self-represented) litigants:

• Florida Courts Self-Help — Official court resources for family law
• Family Law Forms — Standard court forms for all family matters
• Self-Help Centers — Many courthouses have staff to assist with procedures (not legal advice)

Combining these free resources with targeted attorney help gives you the best of both worlds.

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Cost Comparison: Full vs. Limited Scope

Scenario: Uncontested Divorce With Children

Limited scope breakdown:

• Strategy Session: $125
• Parenting Plan preparation: $395
• Marital Settlement Agreement: $795
• Total: $1,285 + $400 filing fee = $1,685

You save $3,000-$13,000 while still getting professional documents.

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Finding a Limited Scope Attorney in Florida

Not all attorneys offer unbundled services. When searching, look for:

• "À la carte" or "unbundled" services advertised
• Flat-fee pricing (not hourly retainers)
• Specific service menus with clear prices
• Online/virtual availability for convenience
• Experience with pro se support

Questions to Ask:

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Our À La Carte Services

At Divorce.law, unbundled services are our specialty. We offer:

• 28+ individual services with transparent flat-fee pricing
• No retainers — Pay only for what you need
• Statewide Florida service — 100% online, any county
• AI-powered efficiency — Faster turnaround, lower costs
• Attorney-reviewed everything — Every document reviewed by Florida Bar member

Whether you need a single document reviewed or help with multiple aspects of your case, you choose exactly what level of support you want.

View our complete pricing menu →

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Key Takeaways

The goal isn't to avoid lawyers entirely—it's to use legal help strategically where it provides the most value.