What is legal coaching and how does it work?
Legal coaching or unbundled family law services provide a more affordable alternative to hiring a family lawyer. Rather than having a family lawyer go to court for you, you represent yourself in divorce court and a family lawyer works in the background—helping you draft legal documents, giving advice, and preparing you for court or family law mediation.
Legal coaching differs from the traditional family law firm model. Normally, your divorce lawyer does all the work for you and appears on your behalf in court or mediation. With legal coaching, you represent yourself, while a legal professional supports you behind the scenes. This reduces the legal workload and overall cost.
At Crossroads Law, we understand that not everyone chooses or is able to retain a full-service lawyer. Some people navigate the legal system alone due to cost, lack of access to Legal Aid, or personal preference. Regardless of the reason, we believe everyone deserves meaningful access to justice.
Prepare for family law mediation with legal coaching
Legal coaching can also help you prepare for mediation. It’s often an effective way to resolve a family law case. However, mediation can feel intimidating if you don’t know your rights or how to negotiate effectively. A legal coach can improve your outcomes by assessing your case, developing strategy, and even helping you draft speaking notes.
What are the benefits of legal coaching?
Control your costs
With legal coaching, there's no need for a large retainer. Only a nominal fee is required depending on your needs. Our services are unbundled—you pay for what you need, when you need it. Whether it's legal advice, help drafting court documents, or legal research assistance, you stay in control of the scope and cost.
Save time
Our legal coaches—lawyers and paralegals—have supported thousands of clients through separation, divorce, and other family matters. Instead of spending hours navigating complex procedures alone, you can rely on an experienced coach to draft documents, provide guidance, and streamline your case.
Flexibility
We designed our services to be flexible for people representing themselves. Everything is virtual and available to clients across B.C. and Alberta. While we don't appear in court for you, we work behind the scenes to help you prepare effectively.
How do I know if legal coaching is right for me?
Legal coaching is ideal for self-represented litigants—those managing their family law case without full legal representation. If you're comfortable handling aspects of your case but need help with document drafting, court procedures, or preparing for hearings, this may be the right fit. Book a free consultation to learn more.
Legal coaching services available through Crossroads Law
We offer flexible coaching options for self-represented clients in family law matters:
Legal coaching with a lawyer
Get behind-the-scenes support from a family lawyer to help you prepare for court, mediation, or negotiation. You remain in control, with expert guidance at each step.
Legal coaching with a paralegal
A more affordable option, paralegal coaching provides similar support. A trained paralegal can assist with document prep, legal information, and strategy—while you continue to self-represent.
What is the process for getting started?
Begin by booking your free consultation. We'll help assess your needs and suggest next steps. Afterward, you’ll work with a legal or paralegal coach. Needs can change—you’re free to switch services anytime. A small retainer is required to get started.
Whether working with a lawyer or paralegal, our goal is to empower you with the skills and support needed to get better results in court, mediation, or arbitration.
What our legal coaching clients have to say:
“Trish has provided me with fabulous paralegal services. I would highly recommend her and the team for all families needing affordable and professional legal services. Trish is detail-oriented, responsive, proactive and partners with her clients to get outstanding results. I couldn't recommend her highly enough.”
“I wish I had found this service years ago. Professional, reliable, and truly felt like I had someone in my corner. I had Chyanne help me through a very difficult time, she was always there when I needed her. I hope to continue working with her in the future.”
“Fantastic! I can honestly say that there would be no way that I could have navigated the Supreme Court documents without Trish’s assistance. Worth every penny. And yes, the outcome was successful in my favour."
Legal coaching with Crossroads Law
Crossroads Law has family lawyers in good standing with the Law Societies of British Columbia and Alberta. If you have an internet connection, we can provide remote legal coaching for your separation or divorce anywhere in B.C. or Alberta.
For a FREE initial consultation on legal coaching, please reach out to us.
Additional resources
As a start, check out our free blogs on legal coaching and unbundled family law services, written by our Vancouver and Calgary family lawyers.
Coaches in BC
Coaches in Alberta
Legal coaching is when a lawyer helps you in the background so that you can get some help with your case while you represent yourself in court, mediation or negotiation.
Paralegal coaching is similar to legal coaching, except instead of hiring a lawyer to help you in the background while you represent yourself, you hire an experienced paralegal.
Unbundled legal services simply refer to a special type of legal retainer, sometimes called a limited scope retainer. A regular retainer with a family lawyer involves paying the lawyer a lump sum (usually $3000-$5000) and the lawyer does all of the work on your file so you don’t have to represent yourself. Unbundled legal services offer customers the option of having a lawyer do specific tasks that are agreed upon ahead of time.
Get flexible and affordable legal assistance with unbundled family law and legal coaching services. Skip the hefty retainers and pay only for the needed time, billed in 15-minute blocks. We also offer flat-rate pricing for various divorce and family law services.
Family law legal coaching is also sometimes called unbundled family law legal services or a limited scope retainer. Legal coaching is a way for you to get the help and advice you need to represent yourself in your case, but you decide how and when you need it.
We do not attend court for our clients; we provide help in the background so they can represent themselves better in court.
Explore valuable resources to guide you through self-representation in family law matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Support Calculators
Free Child & Spousal Support Calculators to help you understand what support payments may look like.
Legal Resources
Unravel the intricacies of family law with insights and commentary from Crossroads Law's distinguished team.
Free Consultation
Contact us today for a no-charge initial consultation to discuss your family law needs.
