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What is Unbundling?

Unbundling (also called limited scope representation or “a la carte” legal services) lets you hire an attorney for specific parts of your legal case instead of full representation. You get professional legal help for the tasks that matter most, and you only pay for what you need.

Common unbundled services include:

  • Help with filing and serving legal documents
  • Legal advice and strategy consultations
  • Document preparation or review
  • Coaching on court procedures
  • Limited court appearances for specific hearings

How it Works

You and your attorney agree on exactly which tasks the attorney will handle. You might hire an attorney to review the divorce papers your spouse filed, prepare a response, and coach you on what to expect at the hearing, while you handle filing the documents and representing yourself in court.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Maria received divorce papers but couldn’t afford the $4,000 retainer most attorneys quoted her. She hired an attorney for a flat fee of $600 to review the paperwork, explain what her husband was asking for, and draft her response. The attorney walked her through what to expect at the hearing and what questions the judge might ask. Maria filed everything herself and went to court on her own, but she knew what she was doing and what to say because she’d received help on the legal parts she didn’t understand.

Why Unbundling Works

For People Seeking Legal Help:

  • Affordable access to professional assistance when full representation is out of reach
  • Control over legal costs: pay only for the services you need
  • Professional guidance on the parts of your case where you need it most
  • Better outcomes than going completely alone

For Attorneys:

  • In more than 75% of civil cases, at least one party is self-represented¹
  • New revenue streams from an underserved market that’s turning to online services instead
  • Flexible service options that fit different client budgets
  • Reduced uncollectible accounts with upfront, task-specific fees
  • Free directory listing connecting you with potential clients
  • Clear ethical guidelines protecting your practice

For Courts:

  • Better-prepared litigants who understand procedures and requirements
  • Fewer continuances due to procedural errors
  • Reduced staff time answering questions from confused self-represented litigants
  • More efficient hearings when at least some professional guidance is involved
  • Cases resolved on the merits rather than dismissed on technicalities

Unbundling in Arkansas

The Access to Justice Crisis in Arkansas

Approximately 45,000 domestic relations cases are filed annually in Arkansas.² The Civil Justice Improvements Committee, after undertaking two years of research, found that over the last several decades there has been a dramatic rise in self-represented litigants: now, in more than 75% of civil cases, at least one party is self-represented.³ Similar trends exist in housing, wills and estates, and debt collection cases.³

Arkansas’s 25 most rural counties average fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents. For every legal aid attorney, there are approximately 17,568 income-eligible Arkansans.⁴ Under these conditions, it would be virtually impossible for everyone with an active case who needs legal advice to actually get it.

In recent years, more and more people have turned away from lawyers and instead sought information and legal forms online, often paying hundreds of dollars to services that provide legally deficient documents. The desire for upfront, transparent pricing and options that allow people to handle simple matters themselves is driving a new legal market, one that is leaving the legal profession behind to the detriment of consumers and our system of justice.

How We Changed the Rules

The Arkansas Access to Justice Commission recognized that the traditional full-service legal model wasn’t working for most Arkansans. Through our Self-Represented Litigant Task Force, we spent four years:

  • Researching rules in other states
  • Gathering Arkansas-specific data on self-represented litigants and market trends
  • Drafting new rules to explicitly authorize unbundled legal services
  • Sharing drafts with attorneys and judges across the state

The result: In 2016 and 2017, the Arkansas Supreme Court adopted changes to the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Civil Procedure that clarify attorney obligations when offering limited scope representation.

These rule changes:

  • Explicitly authorize “ghostwriting” (when attorneys prepare documents without full representation)
  • Establish clear procedures for limited court appearances
  • Allow attorneys to withdraw from limited scope cases without court permission
  • Protect both attorneys and clients in unbundled arrangements

Arkansas joined states like Alabama, California, and Colorado in modernizing rules to expand access to justice.

Why Choose an Attorney Over Paid Online Services?

Many online platforms sell legal forms and document preparation services. But forms alone often aren’t enough, and generic online services don’t understand Arkansas law.

Here’s what you get with an Arkansas-licensed attorney offering unbundled services:

Correct Forms and Guidance

Generic online forms may not meet Arkansas court requirements or reflect recent law changes. Attorneys ensure your documents are appropriate for your specific situation and jurisdiction.

Knowledge of Arkansas Law

Online services offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Arkansas attorneys provide advice tailored to state-specific laws, local court rules, and procedures that vary by county.

Ongoing Support

Many online services stop after you download a form. Attorneys can coach you through next steps: how to file, serve documents, prepare for hearings, and respond if something unexpected happens.

Professional Accountability

Arkansas attorneys are bound by the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, which protect your confidentiality and ensure competent, ethical representation. Online services have no such accountability.

Strategic Advice

Forms can’t tell you whether filing a motion is a good idea in your situation, what arguments to make, or how to respond to the other side’s tactics. Attorneys provide the strategic thinking that makes the difference between filing paperwork and actually advancing your case.

Bottom line: Online services give you documents. Arkansas attorneys give you solutions.

Find Unbundling Resources

Find an Attorney Offering Unbundled Services

Search our directory of Arkansas attorneys who offer limited scope representation.

Search Attorney Directory

Common Questions:

  • “How much do unbundled services typically cost?”
  • “What types of cases work best with unbundling?”
  • “How do I know which tasks I should handle myself?”
Preguntas frecuentes

Attorneys: Start Offering Unbundled Services

Interested in expanding your practice to serve clients who need affordable legal help? Unbundled services represent a significant business opportunity in an underserved market.

Learn more about:

  • Requirements for directory listing (no fee required)
  • Sample fee agreements and engagement letters
  • Training materials and CLE opportunities
  • Arkansas rules supporting unbundled services
  • Best practices and ethical considerations
Recursos para abogados

¹ Conference of Chief Justices & Conference of State Court Administrators. (2016). Resolution 8: In Support of the Call to Action and Recommendations of the Civil Justice Improvements Committee to Improve Civil Justice in State Courts. Adopted at the CCJ/COSCA Annual Meeting, July 27, 2016. National Center for State Courts. Williamsburg, VA.

² Arkansas Administrative Office of Courts, Domestic Relations Statistical Summary (2024), available at https://public.tableau.com/views/AR_Annual_Summary_Public_0/Dashboard1

³ Chanley Painter, Explorando el problema de los litigantes que se representan a sí mismos en los tribunales civiles de Arkansas, at 16 (2011), available at www.arkansasjustice.org/research

⁴ Amy Dunn Johnson, Unbundled Legal Services: A Revolution Whose Time Has Come, The Arkansas Lawyer (2014)

Frequently Asked Questions For People Seeking Legal Help

What is unbundled legal services?

Unbundled legal services (also called limited scope representation or “a la carte” legal services) means you hire an attorney for specific parts of your case instead of full representation. The client and lawyer select which services the lawyer will provide.¹


You get professional legal help for the tasks that matter most, while handling simpler tasks yourself. This makes legal help more affordable and gives you more control over your case.

How much do unbundled services typically cost?

Costs vary depending on the service and complexity of your case, but unbundled services are significantly more affordable than full representation. Many attorneys offer flat fees for specific tasks, so you know exactly what you’ll pay upfront.¹

Typical examples:

  • Initial consultation and case review: $150-$350
  • Document preparation (divorce complaint, response): $300-$750
  • Document review and feedback: $200-$500
  • Coaching session before a hearing: $150-$350
  • Limited court appearance for one hearing: $500-$1,500

Full representation for a contested divorce might cost $3,000-$10,000 or more, while unbundled services for the same case might cost $750-$2,000 depending on which tasks you need help with.¹

What types of cases work best with unbundling?

Unbundled services work best for relatively straightforward cases where you’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself with professional guidance.¹

Good candidates for unbundling:

  • Uncontested or simple divorces where you and your spouse agree on most issues
  • Custody modifications where you need help drafting documents or preparing for a hearing
  • Child support cases where you need guidance on calculations or forms
  • Orders of protection where you need help preparing your evidence and testimony
  • Simple probate matters like uncontested guardianships or small estates
  • Landlord-tenant disputes where you need help responding to an eviction

Cases that typically require full representation:

  • Highly contested custody battles with complex issues
  • Cases involving domestic violence where your safety requires full representation
  • Complex property division or business valuation issues
  • Criminal cases
  • Cases where you’re not comfortable handling any part yourself¹

The key question is whether the case is of such complexity, or your circumstances are such, that limiting representation would not be “reasonable under the circumstances.”¹

How do I know which tasks I should handle myself?

During your initial consultation, an attorney will help you identify which tasks require legal expertise and which you can handle yourself.¹

Tasks that typically require legal expertise:

  • Drafting legal arguments and pleadings
  • Understanding complex procedural rules
  • Making strategic decisions about your case
  • Preparing for and conducting depositions
  • Arguing motions in court

Tasks many clients can handle:

  • Filing documents at the courthouse
  • Serving papers on the other party
  • Organizing evidence and documents
  • Gathering financial records
  • Keeping a case file organized
  • Attending status conferences (with coaching)²

A good rule of thumb: If a task involves legal strategy, document preparation, or complex court procedures, that’s where attorney help is most valuable. Administrative tasks like copying, delivering papers, and basic organization are things most clients can handle themselves.¹

The attorney will work with you to identify how much you can spend on the case, then allocate those funds to the tasks and services where professional help matters most.¹

What’s the difference between unbundled services and online legal services like LegalZoom?

Online services provide:

  • Generic forms that may not meet Arkansas requirements
  • No personalized legal advice for your specific situation
  • No ongoing support if something goes wrong
  • No professional accountability to ethical standards
  • One-size-fits-all solutions that don’t account for Arkansas law

Arkansas attorneys offering unbundled services provide:

  • Forms customized to your specific situation and Arkansas law
  • Strategic legal advice tailored to your case
  • Ongoing coaching and support as your case progresses
  • Professional accountability through Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Understanding of local court rules and procedures that vary by county
  • The ability to help you when unexpected issues arise¹

Bottom line: Online services give you documents. Arkansas attorneys give you solutions.

What should I expect during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is critical in limited scope representation. The attorney will:¹

  • Conduct a thorough and comprehensive interview about your situation
  • Review any documents you’ve brought
  • Identify the legal problems you’re facing and your goals
  • Explain your strategic options (negotiation, mediation, litigation)
  • Present the range of services they can provide
  • Help you understand which tasks require legal expertise
  • Discuss pricing for specific services
  • Identify any related legal problems that are reasonably apparent
  • Provide a written agreement defining exactly what the attorney will and won’t do

Come prepared with:

  • Any court papers you’ve received
  • A timeline of important events
  • Relevant documents (financial records, correspondence, etc.)
  • Questions about your case
  • Your budget and goals
  • Information about how much you can realistically spend on representation¹

The attorney should spend time spelling out exactly what they will do and what you intend to do yourself. The division of responsibility must be stated clearly and in writing.¹

What if I need more help than we originally agreed to?

You can always expand the scope of representation if both you and the attorney agree.¹

Many retainer agreements include a “flexible revision provision” that anticipates the need to revise the agreement as circumstances change.¹ You’ll sign a new written agreement defining the additional tasks and fees.

You’re never locked into doing everything yourself just because you started with limited representation. If it becomes clear that the case is too complex for limited representation, the attorney should advise you to seek full representation.¹

What if the other side has a lawyer and I don’t?

This is actually a great reason to use unbundled services. Having an attorney help you prepare your documents, understand court procedures, and coach you on strategy levels the playing field, even if you represent yourself in court.


Many people successfully handle cases against represented parties when they have professional guidance on the important parts. The key is getting help with the tasks that require legal expertise: understanding your rights, preparing legal documents correctly, and knowing how to present your case effectively.¹

Will the judge treat me differently if I don’t have full representation?

Judges understand that not everyone can afford full representation. What matters is that you’re prepared, respectful, and follow court procedures.


Having an attorney help you prepare makes a huge difference in how ready you are, even if the attorney isn’t standing next to you in court. Many judges appreciate when self-represented litigants have received some professional assistance because it helps the case proceed more smoothly.³

Can my attorney come to some hearings but not others?

Yes. Your written agreement will specify exactly which court appearances (if any) your attorney will handle.¹

For example, your attorney might appear for a complex hearing on custody but you handle a simple status conference yourself. Or the attorney might handle all the pre-trial preparation and coach you to represent yourself at the final hearing.¹

Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure specifically provide for limited court appearances and allow attorneys to withdraw once they’ve completed the agreed-upon representation.²

What happens after the attorney completes their agreed-upon tasks?

Your attorney will provide you with:¹

  • Completed documents or other work product
  • Written instructions on next steps you need to take
  • Information about what to expect going forward
  • Clear communication about when their representation ends

If they made any court appearances, they’ll file a Notice of Completion with the court. Under Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 87, they can withdraw by filing this notice—no court permission is required as long as they’ve completed the tasks they agreed to handle.²

You won’t have to go back to court just for the attorney to withdraw.¹

How do I find an attorney who offers unbundled services?

Search our directory of Arkansas attorneys who offer limited scope representation. You can filter by location and practice area.

Search Attorney Directory

You can also contact attorneys directly to ask if they provide limited scope representation. Not all attorneys advertise these services, but many are willing to offer them.

What are the risks of limited representation?

With limited representation, you take responsibility for the parts of your case you handle yourself. The attorney must explain the risks involved, which may include:¹

  • Inability to introduce evidence due to not understanding rules of evidence
  • Missing important deadlines or procedural requirements
  • Not fully understanding the elements you need to prove
  • Not appreciating the implications of court rulings or settlement offers
  • Confronting legal issues you don’t understand

These are the trade-offs inherent in limited representation. However, with proper coaching from an attorney on the critical parts, many people successfully handle the portions of their case they’re responsible for.¹

The key is being realistic about what you can handle and getting professional help for the parts that require legal expertise.

FAQ Citations:

¹ American Bar Association, Handbook on Limited Scope Legal Assistance: A Report of the Modest Means Task Force, ABA Section of Litigation (2003)

² Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 11, 64, and 87; Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.2(c), 4.2, and 4.3 (2016-2017 amendments)

³ John M. Greacen, Services for Self-Represented Litigants in Arkansas: A Report to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission (July 26, 2013)