Florida Family Law: Limited Appearance Explained

Legal representation can be expensive - particularly if you are involved in a case that may take time and several meetings with your lawyer, such as a contested divorce. For those with a tight budget or on a fixed income, it might be tempting to forgo legal representation and try to represent yourself.

This is a bad idea for two reasons. First, although you may save yourself quite a bit of money, this short-sighted move could cost your case. When you are involved in any legal issues, it is always best to have the help of a qualified attorney.

​Second, you can easily manage your legal expenses by signing a retainer agreement with a lawyer so that they make a Limited Appearance. This allows you the freedom to specifically choose which lawyer will represent you during certain hearings or perhaps specifically for trial. Because this concept is not widely known, we have outlined everything you need to know about limited appearances in Florida family law cases.

What Is Limited Appearance?

When your attorney files a Notice of Limited Appearance, you are legally indicating that the lawyer you have representing you today in this particular case may not be the lawyer who represents you throughout the whole process. For example, the lawyer who represents you for family law mediation may not be the lawyer who represents you if your case goes to trial. By submitting this Notice, you allow yourself the freedom to shop around and choose the lawyer who best represents your needs and works within your budget. However, do make sure that the lawyer you choose fully understands your entire situation.

When different lawyers handle different aspects of your case, information can be easily forgotten. If you forget to share important information with your lawyer, this could mean you lose a case that you would have otherwise won. Always make sure to clearly communicate with your lawyer.

How Do You File a Notice of Limited Appearance in Florida?

​When you have chosen a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will have you read a Florida Family Law Notice of Limited Appearance. Upon your approval, your attorney will then bring this document and present it to the court at your first court date. This will notify the court that you plan for the attorney to represent you in that day’s matter only.

Let Us Help You!

​If you are currently feeling the constraints of a tight budget and have family law issues, we can help. At JPA Law Firm, our expert attorneys can help you with your family law troubles while being kind to your wallet. Give us a call today at (305) 423-7065 or contact us online to discover what we can do.