This guide will help explain what legal coaching is, when it can be helpful, and how we can offer support in your family law case.
What is legal coaching?
Legal coaching is an alternative to full representation. Full representation means hiring a lawyer to handle your whole case, usually with a signed contract and a large upfront retainer payment. Coaching, on the other hand, provides focused support on a pay-as-you-go basis at a significantly reduced cost and no up-front retainer.
At The Commons, a legal coach, who is a licensed Oregon attorney, provides advice, support, and education so that you have the tools you need to effectively represent yourself. Your coach will tell you what you can do yourself and help you understand areas where you need more support.
What can a legal coach help me with?
While legal coaches don't represent you in court, coaches can help with a variety of family law concerns. Coaches can help you:
- Locate and complete online forms and petitions
- Draft specialized motions not available online or through your local courthouse
- Understand the legal process and talk through expectations
- Learn the relevant laws
- Prepare for trial and other court hearings
- Communicate with the court and the opposing party
- Develop confidence and self-advocacy skills
- Assess likely outcomes
- Referrals
When would someone choose legal coaching?
Legal coaching is a great option in many situations, like when full representation is not accessible or you have a lapse in representation.
Inability to obtain full representation
Coaching can be useful if you are unable to access full representation. There are many barriers to representation, including:
- Cost: The average divorce costs between $15,000 and $20,000, and complicated cases can exceed $100,000. Just to hire an attorney, you have to pay a retainer, which can be $2,000 to $10,000. Additionally, family law lawyers in Oregon charge an average of $300,and up to $500 an hour.
- Location: 97% of low-income Oregonians live in rural areas and struggle to find legal support. Because The Commons coaching services are online, you can book an appointment regarding your Oregon legal issue from anywhere, including out of state.
Bridging a gap
Legal coaching can provide support while you don’t have a lawyer. There are many reasons someone might have a gap in legal help, like:
- You’re actively searching for a lawyer, but haven't been able to secure one yet
- You’re on a waitlist for legal aid and need support in the meantime
- Your court date is too soon for a lawyer to take on your case
- You have run out of funds for full representation before your legal issues are resolved.
In these situations, coaching can help you meet upcoming deadlines, understand court processes, learn how to advocate for yourself, and make informed decisions.
Simple or limited scope legal issues
Sometimes hiring a lawyer may not be worth the effort and cost, especially when a legal issue is straightforward and manageable.
Some legal issues can be resolved by filing a petition or other minimally-complex process–for example:
- Uncontested divorces and custody cases
- Name changes
- Small changes to existing agreements
- Basic court appearances
Even when it is possible, and reasonable, to handle an issue yourself, you can still benefit from the guidance of a lawyer. In these circumstances, coaching sessions can be all that is needed.
Logistics of Legal coaching at The Commons
If you are interested in legal coaching at The Commons, you can complete an intake form here. After you submit your intake, you will receive a link to book your first appointment. If you still have questions about the process, you can schedule a free, 15 minute phone call with a staff member.
Your first appointment isn’t just to get to know you–we get straight to your legal issue and develop an action plan. After that first appointment, if you need more help or new legal questions come up, you can book additional appointments as needed. If your budget allows, your coach can also draft motions.
The pay-as-you-go coaching model is flexible–you only receive guidance when you need it, without needing to commit long term or pay an expensive deposit. Prices are set on a sliding scale based on your income and you can choose the number of appointments to meet your specific needs and budget. Learn more about hourly rates here.