Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: 170.1 Disqualification

Yes, you can hire an attorney to assist you in an advisory capacity and to assist you in drafting documents without losing your in pro per status. You may hire the attorney on a "limited scope" basis to appear for you on a single matter. Most attorneys, however, are wary of doing limited scope appearances as it may open the door to a malpractice suit if the case is otherwise mishandled. Also, if the client does not sign a substitution of attorney form, then the attorney will have to waste additional time filing a motion to withdraw. Too many attorneys have been suckered into a convoluted mess by agreeing to represent a client on a "limited scope" basis.