The Future of Legal Services: Unbundled Services

There is a new concept in the legal industry called unbundled services. It is largely unknown by lawyers. But it has appeared in the attorney-ethical rules of many states. Most consumers have never heard of it. Most lawyers still have no idea of what it means. But the influence of this concept may change the future of legal services.

To understand the concept of unbundled services, one must have an understanding of the traditional ways attorneys handle representation. For most of history an attorney began representation at the beginning of a case. Representation didn’t end until the end of the case. People needing legal services had two choices: either pay an attorney a fee for the entire case, or go it alone. There was no in-between. It was almost unthinkable for an attorney to provide help filling out one form or attending one hearing. It was all or nothing. There was nothing wrong with this system for those with the substantial assets needed to pay an attorney. But people that did not have much money were out of luck.

Many local state bar associations recognized this problem. The issue was recently studied by the American Bar Association. A new concept was borne out of these studies - unbundled services. The basic premise was that some legal advice was better than no legal advice. Unbundled services recognized the reality of many consumers - that attorney fees exceeded the financial capability of many. Unbundled services solved this problem. This concept makes it acceptable for an attorney to represent a client for one small part of their case - without violating ethical rules. Many states have started to adopt rules recognizing the existence of unbundled services.

The most promising application is for family law services such as divorce, child custody, support, and property distribution. The reason: more people attempt to handle their own family law cases than any other area of law. And the courts are increasing frustrated and bogged down with self-represented divorce parties. The need for flexibility and creativity in legal service is the most evident in family law cases.

Unfortunately, attorneys have been slow to offer unbundled services. They are either not aware of this new trend or have declined to change their service offerings. The result: over three quarters of family law cases involve people that have not hired an attorney. There are strong advantages for attorneys that offer unbundled services: a larger potential customer base, less collection problems, and the satisfaction of helping lower income clients.

If you cannot afford an attorney, consider searching for an attorney that will offer different services on an “a la cart” basis. This can include preparing the initial divorce documents, attending one hearing, or participating in mediation. Do it yourselfers can also enlist the help of an attorney to prep for their final hearing. The era of unbundled services has arrived and will ultimately empower the consumer and increase access to the court system.

Copyright 2006 The Divorce Center P.A.

Divorce Attorney Howard Iken has a rapidly growing divorce practice in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. He can be reached at 1-888-469-3486. More information on divorce can be found at Tampa Divorce Attorney

An example of unbundled services can be found at Tampa Divorce Fees

Franchise Computer System Clauses in Home Based Franchise Businesses

Even in the most simplistic franchise businesses, such as a home based franchise business model the franchisor must have stipulations of the franchise agreement concerning the use, purchase and set up all the franchisee’s computer system. It is for this reason that in our franchise system I decided to add a clause into the franchise agreement, which address the computer system issue with regards to the initial setup of this computer system. Below is the clause I put into our franchise agreements;

3.30 Computer System

Within sixty calendar (60) days of signing the Franchise Agreement Franchisee must obtain a computer system meeting Franchisor’s specifications. Franchisee will be required to update Franchisee’s computer system when Franchisor reasonably requires. Franchisee must establish Internet access and an electronic mail (e-mail) account within fifteen calendar (15) days after Franchisee obtains their specified computer system. Franchisee must notify Franchisor of Franchisee’s electronic mail account address via e-mail within five calendar (5) days after Franchisee obtains this address.

— —- —- —- —

If you run or own a franchise system which sets up home-based businesses in franchises you would be well advised to discuss this issue with a bona fide franchise attorney who specializes in franchising. I hope you will consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow - EzineArticles Expert Author

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

The Elite World Karting

Formula 1 racing is just the top of karting. It’s the professional appearance of the sport in full. Formula 1 is an international phenomenon, a multinational business enterprise that gets millions & millions of pounds each & every year from publicity, funding, and TV incomes. Well known drivers with a millionaire bank balance race these superb motor cars that are unique with technological components - everything from hard to make lightweight structures that glide the machine to tires with apparelled grooving style that represents the power on the race circuit

There is at present no sport that best embodies the saying “worldwide sport” like Formula 1 racing. Specific countries are active contributors in hosting the Formula 1 motor racing show - Malaysia for example, is a hot spot for F1 racing (Fernando Alonso, a Spanish-born F1 racing motor driver driving with Team Renault very recently won a grand prix motor race there) & Italy plays an imperative job in designing and manufacturing 1st class, top-of-the-line go-karts. Competition is customary in karting - adding an edge of anticipation with each & every zip of the bend and nitrous increase of the engine. Catch up with the latest Formula 1 Results.

Formula 1 motor cars can be summed up in two words: hi-tech miracle. These sleek, low riding gems ripping trough laps at speeds around one hundred & sixty mph consist of nothing more than merely a framework, an engine, and 4 wheels. For a start, the engine is situated behind the cockpit as opposed to road vehicles. Find great offers on camping equipment.

Are you planning to get a bathroom and postulate 25000 euro

At present you can check interest rates quickly on the internet and insure if there are other sneaky conditions you should know about. You should be bright today to examine if you have a nice deal or if you don’t with the bank that offers you a credit loan. Analyze to see if the merchant bank who wants to give you a loan is honorable. It makes no difference if you live in Greensboro North Carolina or in Eden Prairie Minnesota a beneficial online inspection will scavenge you often a lot of pain. That’s the reason why now you need to check and run into if you can have a money loan at a effective percent interest rate.

Translated in Ducth it says: Woon je in Texel of Purmerend en heb je BKR registratie. Lenen met BKR is nergens zo eenvoudig. Haal snel een nieuwe auto met notering bkr verwijderen, 373984 euro is geen obstakel om te lenen. Van Oldenzaal tot Zeewolde, financieren met een BKR notering is hier geen enkel probleem.

A moneylender in Malden Massachusetts or so may have a total completely different actual rate for a 35000 dollar money loan then a moneylender in Chester Pennsylvania and that makes a vast clear gap in your weekly costs. Lots of of the banks wil show you a rate of interest that looks secure but doesn’t feel advantageously or so after some time. 7 percent loan rate may come along so upright but will that be changeless after you’re going to pay back your loan.

Select Your Flooring Carefully

There are numerous factors which need to be taken into consideration when deciding what kind of flooring to get fitted. Getting new flooring put in in your home can breathe new life into it and can be a great way to reinvigorate your living environment. It may not be as expensive as you think either.

A big consideration on what flooring to choose is the function of the room it will go in. Flooring which makes sense for the front room may not be appropriate for the kitchen for example. Some of the most popular types of flooring are carpet, vinyl, wood, and laminate.

Laminate flooring can be a fantastic alternative to solid wood floors if you are looking to achieve a wood effect floor for a fraction of the price. Laminate flooring is made from a sheet of MDF with a wood-effect plastic surface fixed to it. The downside of laminate flooring is that whilst it is scratch resistant once it is damaged it is impossible to repair. That aside it can still be a perfect choice for a kitchen, where the plastic coating provides an easily cleanable surface. On the other hand a solid wood flooring would not be appropriate in a bathroom, or indeed any room which is likely to get very wet. Some woods are more vulnerable to the wet than others.

If you are planning to fit a wooden floor, it’s important you have a suitable surface to fit it on. An ideal surface would be flat, and dry. There are options however to counter uneven flooring problems, such as laying ply throughout, or employing an underlay to create a ‘floating floor’.

Often laminate flooring is sold as a product you can fit together without help which is a great way of keeping costs down. Solid wood flooring requires however a higher degree of DIY competence, so it can sometimes be advisable to get solid wooden floors fitted professionally which can add substantially to the cost.

One point to remember many people do not realise when they measure their room to work out how much flooring they will need - is that it is crucial to include a 10mm gap around the edge of the room for the wooden flooring to expand and contract.

As an integral part of any interior design strategy, it is crucial to select the correct flooring. Whilst wooden or laminate floors can be ideal - often for a more chic minimalist look; carpet can be a better option if you are trying to achieve a more traditional home feel. The important thing is you take into account the various factors you need to consider before ordering new flooring.

« Previous Page