Limited Scope Representation in Montana

You might not have heard of limited scope representation, but it is a pretty neat form of legal representation.  You are probably more familiar with “full representation,” which is where you pay a big retainer, the attorney bills out of it, and handles the case start to finish. In contrast to this, limited scope representation is where you hire the lawyer for one specific thing, pay a smaller retainer to the attorney, the attorney bills out of that smaller retainer, and when the task you have hired the attorney for has concluded, their representation of you also concludes. 

I’ll use the example of mediation. Let’s say you hire me on a limited scope basis to represent you at mediation.  I charge a smaller retainer, and we agree that I am representing you JUST for mediation.  We go to mediation, we settle your case, and my representation of you concludes. 

Mediation is a little trickier because I have to pay the mediator out of my retainer also, so I have to charge a larger retainer than I normally would, but it is a very popular service. 

All of my flat fee services are done on a limited scope basis, EXCEPT for joint dissolutions. 

What’s Included?

With limited scope representation, what is included in the service varies from service to service. So, I will list various services and give examples of what is included. 

• Drafting initial divorce paperwork: Includes drafting and filing of all initial divorce documents, the filing fee paid to the clerk of court, and my time in setting up process service if desired. 
• Mediation: I pay the mediator fees out of the retainer, and then my own fees. 
• Drafting response to initial divorce paperwork: Includes drafting and filing of all response to initial divorce documents, the filing fee paid to the clerk of court for the first appearance.  

These are just a few examples, and can vary widely.

FAQs

What is limited scope representation cost?

The answer is that it depends.  Regular limited scope representation cost varies because it depends how much time is billed. But, for my flat fee limited scope representation the prices are as listed. 

Seems too good to be true, what’s the catch?

There is no catch, but there are limitations.  It’s in the name- this is LIMITED representation, meaning I am not representing you start to finish on your divorce or family law issue. I am just representing you for the item listed. 

Is limited scope representation more cost effective?

Absolutely.  Instead of paying a $5000-$10000 to retain full representation counsel, you are paying smaller amounts to get a more specific result.  With my flat fee services, the financial aspect is even better because you know EXACTLY how much you are paying for any given service. 

Are there certain cases where limited scope representation is not a good fit?

For sure.  There are some messy cases where people really need full representation counsel.  If I believe that to be the situation when we chat, I will give you referrals to folks that I like in your area. 

Can I hire you on a limited scope basis to represent me at a hearing?

No. At this time I am not doing any court appearances. 

How does it work to have you represent me at mediation?

I offer representation at mediation on a limited scope basis. If you wanted to hire me to represent you at mediation, you would purchase item #16 on my flat fee services page. Then, I’d take care of scheduling mediation.  We would have the mediation (and 95% of cases settle in mediation, so you would probably be done with your case at that point). Once mediation has been performed, I would pay the mediator out of the retainer, and then myself. If you didn’t use up the whole retainer, you would get a refund. If you went over the retainer amount, you would get a bill. 

Check Out Our Other Services!

We also offer other services:

• Consultations – 30 minute phone consultation for $95.00
• Wills – I offer flat fee wills for only $200. 
• Flat Fee Services – in our consultation I will tell you which flat fee service would be the best fit. 
• Full representation for joint dissolutions.

Contact Fox Law Firm!

If your search for representation has led you to my page, and you are interested in learning more about limited scope representation, please contact us and we will get you scheduled! I guarantee that you will gain some information about your situation and how to move forward. 

Andrea Fox, Founder and Owner

Fox Law Firm, PLLC

Hi, I’m Andrea Fox. I’ve been helping Montana families since 2011, and I started Fox Law Firm here in Kalispell in 2016. My practice is focused on divorce, parenting plans, custody, and mediation, almost entirely at flat fee prices, with no hourly billing and no surprise invoices. (Representation at mediation is my one retainer service.)

My goal is simple: take the mystery out of the legal process, and make good family law help something you can actually afford.

Ongoing Education

Continuing Legal Education

• Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated: Trust Account Best Practices for Lawyers — Lawline.com (March 11, 2026)
• On the Road Again: Professional Conduct in the Real World — State Bar of Montana (March 6, 2026)
• From Default to Defense: A Practical Guide for Representing Clients Facing Foreclosure and Mortgage — Montana Legal Services Association (January 14, 2026)
• Every Lawyer is Terrible at File Documentation, Except You, Right? — Lawline.com (January 14, 2026)
• Serving Those Who Served: Veterans’ Legal Issues in Montana — Montana Legal Services Association (October 23, 2025)
• 2025 Annual Meeting — State Bar of Montana (September 13, 2025)
• The State of Wire Fraud 2025: Trends Impacting Law Firms — ALPS, Attorneys Liability Protection Society (April 30, 2025)
• Introduction to Disaster Legal Services — Montana Legal Services Association (April 16, 2025)