Pro Se/Unbundling Resource Center
Court Rules
State Adoption of ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5
Alabama
Alabama Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Alaska
Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 81, expressly permits limited appearances and governs attorney withdrawal.
Alaska Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c), expressly permits limited representation and governs communication between opposing counsel and self-represented client.
Alaska Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Arizona
Arizona Ethics Rule 1.2 governs limited scope representation.
Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2, governs limited representation and attorney withdrawal in vulnerable adult exploitation actions.
Arizona Ethics Rule 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Arizona Rule of Family Law Procedure 9(B), governs limited representation and attorney withdrawal in family law proceedings.
Arkansas
Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
California
California Family and Juvenile Rule 5.70, permits a lawyer to draft proceedings in family law matters without disclosure.
California Family and Juvenile Rule 5.71, governs application to be relieved as counsel.
FL-950, provides a court approved Notice of Limited Scope Representation for family law matters.
California Civil Rule 3.35, defines limited scope representation and application of rules in civil cases.
California Civil Rule 3.36, governs notice and application to be relieved as attorney.
California Civil Rule 3.37, permits a lawyer to draft pleadings in civil matters without disclosure.
MC-950, provides a court approved Notice of Limited Scope Representation for civil matters.
California Rule of Professional Conduct 1-650 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Colorado
Colorado Rule of County Court 311(b), requires lawyers to disclose assistance in document preparation but clarifies that such disclosure does not create an entry of appearance
Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b), requires lawyers to disclose assistance in document preparation but clarifies that such disclosure does not create an entry of appearance.
Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2, clarifies that a lawyer may ethically provide limited services.
Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2, creates a presumption that a party receiving limited services is unrepresented for purposes of communication.
Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 4.3, creates a presumption that a party receiving limited services is unrepresented for purposes of communication.
Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Connecticut
Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Delaware
Delaware Family Court Rule of Civil Procedure 5(b)(2), governs limited appearance, service and attorney withdrawal in family law matters.
Delaware Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Florida
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040, governs limited scope representation in family law matters, and explicitly permits limited appearances.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.750, governs the operation of self-help programs within family courts.
Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.2(c), explicitly permits limited representation with written consent.
Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-4.2(b), establishes the presumption that a self-represented party is unrepresented unless notified to the contrary in writing.
Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-4.3(b), establishes the presumption that a self-represented party is unrepresented unless notified to the contrary in writing.
Hawaii
Comment [4] to Hawaii Revised Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.2, clarifies that a judge may make reasonable accommodations to assure that pro se litigants have the opportunity to have their matters fairly heard.
Idaho
Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Illinois
Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (c) governs limited scope representation.
Indiana
Indiana Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Iowa
Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:1.2(c), expressly permits limited representation and outlines requirements for written consent.
Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:4.2, establishes the presumption that a self-represented party is unrepresented unless notified to the contrary in writing.
Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs..
Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:7.2, permits an attorney to advertise that he/she provides limited representation.
Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure enabling unbundled services include:
- Rule 1.404(3), expressly permitting limited appearances so long as the court is notified;
- Rule 1.404(4), governing termination of limited appearance;
- Rule 1.423, requiring lawyers who prepare pleadings in limited representation to sign them and clarifying that signing a pleading does not constitute an appearance; and
- Rule 1.442(2), establishing the requirements for service on attorney who has made a limited appearance.
Kansas
Kansas Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Kentucky
Kentucky Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Kentucky Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Louisiana
Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Maine
Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c), explicitly allows limited representation and allows a lawyer to file a limited appearance if the client consents in writing.
Maine Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 1.16(c), clarifies limited representation.
Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2(b), permits opposing counsel to communicate with assisted pro se client unless unbundling attorney notifies opposing attorney of representation.
Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Attachment A to Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c), includes a court-approved Limited Representation Agreement.
Maine Rules of Civil Procedure enabling unbundled legal services include:
- Rule 5, governing service;
- Rule 11, governing the signing of pleadings; and
- Rule 89(a), governing the withdrawal of attorneys.
Maryland
Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Massachusetts
Supreme Judicial Court Order In Re: Limited Assistance Representation governs unbundling in Massachusetts Trial Courts.
Massachusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Minnesota
Minnesota General Rule of Practice for the District Courts 110, governs the operation of self-help programs.
Minnesota Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Minnesota Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Mississippi
Mississippi Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Missouri
Missouri Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2, expressly permits limited representation with written consent and governs communication between opposing counsel and limited representation client.
Missouri Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16 (c), governs attorney withdrawal for limited representation.
Missouri Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Missouri Rule of Civil Procedure 43.01(b) requires service on otherwise self-represented person and not on limited appearance attorney unless notified in writing to do otherwise.
Missouri Rule of Civil Procedure 55.03, permits a lawyer to draft pleadings without disclosure and clarifying appearance and withdrawal of attorney in limited representation.
Missouri Rule of Civil Procedure 88.09, requires unrepresented parties to complete a litigant awareness program and to use court approved forms.
Montana
Montana Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Nebraska
Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct enabling unbundled services include:
- Rule 501.2, governing limited representation, attorney assisted document preparation and attorney withdrawal;
- Rule 504.2[10], allowing opposing counsel to communicate with client on matters outside scope of limited representation; and
- Rule 506.5, governing the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Nevada
Rules of Practice of the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada, Rule 5.28 requires signed pleadings, notice of the limited representation to the court and governs the procedure for withdrawal.
Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2, governs limited representation and provides a sample consent form.
New Hampshire Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2, creates the presumption that limited representation client is unrepresented for purposes of communication, unless notified otherwise in writing.
New Hampshire Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in one time consultations with clients through non-profit and court annexed legal programs.
New Hampshire Rule of Civil Procedure enabling unbundled services include:
- Rule 3, requiring that pleadings and communication be furnished to both client and limited representation attorney until withdrawal of limited appearance; and
- Rule 17, governing appearance, attorney withdrawal and document preparation assistance.
New Jersey
New Jersey Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (c)governs limited scope representation.
New Jersey Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
New Mexico
New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure governing unbundling include:
- Rule 1-089 governing limited appearances and attorney withdrawal in district courts;
- Rules 2-107 and 2-108 governing limited appearances and attorney withdrawal in magistrate courts; and
- Rules 3-107 and 3-108 governing limited appearances and attorney withdrawal in metropolitan courts.
New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct governing unbundling include:
- Rule 16-102(c) permitting limited representation with consent;
- Rule 16-303(E) requiring lawyer to disclose scope of representation to court; and
- Rule16-605 governing the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
New York
Local Rules of the United States District Court for Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, Civil Rule 7.1(c), requires counsel to provide pro se litigants with printed copies of decisions cited when unreported or reported only on computerized databases.
New York Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
North Carolina
North Carolina General Statute 50B-2(d), requires the clerk of superior court in each county to provide pro se litigants with all necessary forms.
North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
North Dakota
North Dakota Rule of Court 11.2 governs attorney withdrawal when an attorney has filed a notice of limited representation.
North Dakota Rule of Civil Procedure 5(b) establishes the requirements for service on an attorney providing limited scope representation.
North Dakota Rule of Civil Procedure 11(e) requires an attorney who provides limited scope representation to file a notice that states precisely the scope of the representation and also requires an attorney to file a notice of termination upon completion.
North Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Ohio
Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Oklahoma Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Oregon
Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(b) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
South Carolina
South Carolina Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
South Carolina Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
South Dakota
South Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
South Dakota Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Tennessee
Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation and encourages written consent.
Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Utah
Utah Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (c), permits limited representation with consent.
Utah Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2 (b), creates presumption that limited representation client is unrepresented for purposes of communication, unless notified otherwise in writing.
Utah Rule of Professional Conduct 4.3 (b), creates presumption that limited representation client is unrepresented for purposes of communication, unless notified otherwise in writing.
Utah Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 5(b)(1), requires that papers relating to a matter within limited scope agreement be served upon attorney and party.
Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 74(b), governs attorney withdrawal following limited appearance.
Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 75, expressly permits limited appearances after client consents in writing.
Vermont
Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 79.1(1), govern appearance, withdrawal and service.
Vermont Rule of Family Procedure 15(h) governs limited appearances, withdrawal and service in family law matters.
Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) and 6.5 govern limited scope representation and the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Virginia
Virginia Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Washington
Washington Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c), permits limited scope of representation with consent.
Washington Rule of Professional 1.5(f)(2), permits an attorney to charge a flat fee for specified legal services and to place that fee into the lawyer’s operating account, if there is a written fee agreement containing certain disclosure requirements.
Washington Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2, creates the presumption that a person is unrepresented unless opposing party is notified otherwise.
Washington Rule of Civil Procedure 4.3, creates the presumption that a person is unrepresented unless opposing party is notified otherwise.
Washington Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5, governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Washington Civil Rule 4.2, expressly permits a limited entry of appearance.
Washington Civil Rule of Limited Jurisdiction 4.2, governs limited appearances.
Washington Civil Rule 11, permits a lawyer who assists with drafting to rely on the self-represented party's representation of facts.
Washington Civil Rule of Limited Jurisdiction 11, permits a lawyer who assists with drafting to rely on the self-represented party's representation of facts.
Washington Civil Rule 70.1, expressly allows limited appearances in litigation.
Washington Civil Rule of Limited Jurisdiction 70.1, expressly allowing limited appearances in litigation.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2(c) governs limited scope representation.
Wisconsin Rule of Professional Conduct 6.5 governs the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs.
Milwaukee County Family Division Rule 5.6 expressly permits limited appearances.
Wyoming
Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct governing limited scope representation include:
- Rule 1.1 [4] addressing competence in limited scope representation;
- Rule 1.2(c) explicitly permitting limited scope representation and outlining the requirements for written consent;
- Rule 6.5 governing the responsibility to determine conflicts in non-profit and court-annexed limited service programs; and
- Appendix to Rule 1.2 providing a court approved notice and consent to limited scope representation notice.
The Uniform Rule of the District Court of the State of Wyoming 102 governs appearance and withdrawal for unbundled representation.
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