Unfortunately, attorney fees, even reasonable attorney fees, can be expensive. The retainer required by a lawyer to be hired for a case can be significant. For some, the size of a retainer precludes a party from being able to afford crucial legal services. For others, tendering payment of a retainer reduces their savings to negligible amounts.
In light of this reality for many of you who are struggling during these challenging economic times, I would like to introduce a new option in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts known as Limited Assistance Representation.
Limited Assistance Representation (also known as LAR) describes a new way for clients and attorneys to divide up responsibilities and reduce legal fees. It occurs when an attorney represents or assists a client with part, but not all, of the legal matter. The attorney and client enter into a detailed agreement defining what tasks the attorney will be responsible for and what tasks the client will be responsible for.
For example, I can continually provide you with legal advise concerning what law applies to your legal situation, what procedure must be followed, and what options are available without filing an appearance on your behalf in Court. Furthermore, I can advocate for you in a cost effective manner by preparing all of the necessary legal documentation that the Court requires.
Another benefit that LAR offers financially challenged individuals is the ability to retain an attorney simply for selected vital Court hearings. For example, what if there is a critical Court hearing scheduled, and you believe having an experienced litigator speak on your behalf would further advance your case. In this case, a relatively modest retainer would be requested so that you obtain high quality representation, and give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome in Court. Remember a Judge’s decision can impact the nature and quality of your childrens’ lives and your life from a psychological and financial standpoint.
I am enthusiastic about this recent development in the law and hope that your family and friends will take advantage of the tremendous savings available when limited legal services are required to better your circumstances in this difficult economy.
If you should have any questions regarding Limited Assistance Representation, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
As always, I stand at the ready to assist you in the areas of:
- Contested and Uncontested divorce: Parenting Plans, Alimony, Child Support
- Post-Divorce Matters: Modifications, Contempt Actions, Appeals
- Divorce Mediation: Member of Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators
- Parent-Child Mediation, Parent-Parent Mediation: to resolve family conflict and avoid separation and divorce
- Wills and Estate Planning Services: Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will
- Probate of Estates with and without Wills, Will contests
- Guardianships, Conservatorships,
- Real Estate: Purchase and Sale Contracts, Real Estate Closings, Seller’s Deed, Homestead Protection
- Bankruptcy and other debt matters
- Consumer Protection matters
- Commercial and Personal Deb Collection
- Civil Litigation
- Adoptions, Care and Protection matters, Issues with Dept. for Children and Families
- Criminal Defense, for adults and juvenile defendants (CHINS, delinquency, etc.).
Please note that my real estate agency, Jewel Realty, has grown to five agents, and we can assist you with our vast experience, reasonable commission rates, and hundred of dollars of free legal services. Feel free to call any time for a courtesy appraisal.
Finally, next month my newsletter will address an exciting, revolutionary way of expanding my mediation practice (not an exaggeration). Until then, may you and your families be well.