Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

If I can Not afford a lawyer

My ex husband filed papers stating that we were still married and that he wants a divorce, me to pay for it. He wants custody of our minor children and me to pay child support and all legal fees, I did not recieve the papers in time for court so the judge gave full custody of my children to him and I can not visit or call them. I can not afford a lawyer and have to go back to court on the 30th of this month, I find that the system will point an attorney for a criminal but not for a mom fighting for her children, I have called all lawyers in my area and they want even see me with out a retainer, please help is their at least one decent human being lawyer left that will help me with a payment plan. My ex husband beat me every day and I lost custody of my 1st child due to him. It states that in the papers . He is so good at decieving everyone, he has been to jail for mgf meth, psoession and other things. He also has been arrested for hitting me. And now he has a restraining order on me bvecause he says he is scared for his life. Please help. I have only 7 days left before court.

thanks

Lisa--name removed--

Opelika Al

334-749-9923


Asked on 5/20/06, 12:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mari Morrison Mari Morrison

Re: If I can Not afford a lawyer

Usually you have a legal aid office in your county. If they will not assist you, usually you will be able to represent yourself. But, as another thought, you could go to DHR and report the meth and other criminal activities which should result in DHR becoming involved to protect the children and not allow him to have custody. As far as you paying the attorney, all you need to do is show the court you have no means and the court will not order that. Also, if you did not get the papers and the court took a default, then it has to be set aside because you have to be properly served and then it is 30 days before he can file for a default. Tell the truth to the judge and he will do the right thing. But do get DHR involved.

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Answered on 5/21/06, 8:21 pm


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