Sometimes you need an expert pair of eyes on a specific document — not full representation. We review, explain, and flag issues on a flat or scoped-fee basis.
Not every family law situation requires a full retainer. Sometimes the need is specific: a proposed parenting plan arrived in the mail, a settlement agreement needs a second set of eyes, a final order needs review before you sign. Stand-alone document review meets that need without the cost of ongoing representation.
We read the document carefully, explain what it actually says (as distinct from what you’ve been told it says), flag issues that should concern you, and point out terms that serve you and terms that don’t. You leave the consultation knowing exactly what you’re being asked to sign.
This service is particularly useful for pro se parties, for clients who have received proposals from opposing counsel, and for clients who want a second opinion on documents their existing attorney has prepared.
We’re straightforward about what document review is and what it isn’t. It’s a targeted assessment, not a full case strategy. We’ll tell you if we think the document you’re considering serves you. We’ll also tell you if we think you need more than document review to address your situation.
Fees for stand-alone document review are scoped to the document and the complexity of the review. You know the cost going in.
“Just as you’d consult with a plumber about a leak, or a realtor to sell your house, when you have a legal matter, don’t file anything without consulting with an attorney.”
— Jennifer Jenkins, Chief Operating OfficeWe translate legal language into what it actually means for your life. You'll know what provisions protect you, what provisions expose you, and what provisions are ambiguous enough to cause problems later.
Document review has a clear scope and a clear price. No open-ended retainer, no surprise bills. You know what you're paying for before we start.
If the document is fine, we'll tell you. If it has problems, we'll tell you. And if the situation calls for more than document review, we'll say that too.
Stand-alone document review covers a specific set of family law documents:
Before you agree to a plan proposed by the other party or their attorney. We flag unfair provisions, missing terms, and ambiguities that cause future disputes.
Before you sign a divorce settlement, CR 2A agreement, or mediated settlement. We catch what you're giving up and what you might be accepting without realizing it.
Before a final decree or order is entered. Once entered, it's binding. We make sure it says what you think it says.
If your partner's attorney has drafted an agreement, we review it before you sign — on your side, not theirs.
Before you serve or respond to discovery. Pro se parties often create serious problems here — a review session can prevent them.
Motions, declarations, and other filings you intend to submit pro se. A review before filing often prevents procedural and strategic errors.
Before we tell you what we think, we hear what you're facing.
→You should understand the legal landscape before you make decisions in it.
→A real plan with real contingencies — not a template.
→Inside the courtroom, at the negotiation table, and everywhere in between.
→You'll never wonder what's happening in your case.
→The case ends. Your life continues. We plan for both.
→Document review fits when you have a specific document or a narrow question. It doesn't fit when you need ongoing strategic advocacy, court representation, or full-case management. We'll tell you which one your situation actually calls for.
Yes — within the scope of the engagement. We represent you for the specific document or task we agreed to review. We don't represent you for anything beyond that without a separate engagement.
Most document review engagements can be scheduled within a week. Urgent matters — a document that requires a response within days — can often be expedited.
We'll tell you honestly. If a limited-scope follow-up makes sense, we offer that. If full representation is the right path, we discuss it. You're never obligated to extend the engagement.
Yes, though this is worth discussing in the consultation. Second-opinion reviews of documents from another attorney require some care — we can do it, and we do it with discretion.
Fees are scoped to the document and the complexity. We quote the fee before we start so you can decide whether the scope fits your budget.
What Clients Say
Strata Family Law represents document review clients across Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rainier, Tenino), Pierce County (Tacoma, Puyallup, University Place, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, DuPont, Bonney Lake), and Lewis County (Chehalis, Centralia, Napavine, Morton). Whether your case is in Olympia, Tacoma, or anywhere across the greater South Sound, you get the same team, the same standard, and the same commitment.
Take the first step
One conversation can change everything.
A consultation isn't a commitment. It's a chance to understand your situation, ask the questions that keep you up at night, and find out what your options are.
Call (360) 295-9577We'll get back to you within one business day.
Our office locations
Two offices. One standard. Whether you're in Olympia or Tacoma, you get the same thoughtful counsel and the same team in your corner.
Olympia Office
Direct Line
(360) 295-9577Tacoma Office
Direct Line
(253) 733-1533