cannot afford another attorney for child custody dispute & what to do?

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer for Custody?

Full Answer

What to do if you can't afford a custody lawyer?

Although it may feel like you’re straight out of luck if you can’t afford a custody lawyer, there are a few legal aid options available. Each state is different, but most lawyers will give you a free 30-minute consultation. Be honest and brief with your lawyer. Ask them what they think your best course of action should be.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer: Contact the city courthouse.

Where can I get a free consultation for a custody battle?

Even if you can’t find a free consultation, your local court will still have all the information you need for your custody battle. There are lots of legal aid services out there. Another reason for you to go to your local courthouse is to see if they can recommend different legal aid societies.

Can I get a free lawyer consultation?

Some attorneys will offer free consultations – usually by phone or videoconference. You aren't likely to come away feeling like you're ready to try your first case, but even if it's just a 15-minute call, you may at least get enough information to have a better sense of what legal morass you're in for.

What is it called when you can't afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you. There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

How can I get free legal advice in NC?

Call 1-800-662-7660 or submit a request online. Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free advice and representation to low-income people in all 100 counties of North Carolina. Apply for help at your nearest Legal Aid of North Carolina office, call the HelpLine at 1-866-219-5262, or apply online.

Does Legal Aid of NC help with child custody?

If you need help with child custody, contact your local Legal Aid of North Carolina office.

What is a pro bono lawyer?

To qualify for free legal assistance, a person must comply with a 'means test' (a maximum monthly or no income) and have a legal problem with merit. You will be referred to an attorney by the Legal Practice Council who will assist you free of charge (pro bono).

What does free legal assistance group do?

The Free Legal Assistance Group is a human rights organisation that is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and civil liberties. FLAG works to help excluded and vilified individuals secure legal documents pertaining to citizenship, land ownership, health, and communal development.

What are the different types of legal aid?

There are two types of legal aid: for civil and for criminal cases. All applications for legal aid for criminal cases are means tested. But some applications for legal aid for civil cases are not means tested, for example care cases and Mental Health Tribunal cases.

Where does legal aid money come from?

The Government provides money to help pay for your case. The money comes from the Community Legal Services Fund (CLS) and is administered by the Legal Aid Agency.

How do I get visitation rights in NC?

If two parents cannot agree, the non-custodial parent may file a visitation complaint with the court to request increased visitation time. In some North Carolina districts, the court requires mandatory mediation for parents before the court decides on visitation issues.