Legal Question in Family Law in California

Court Appointed Lawyer

My employee, who lives in Alameda County, is involved in a family court child custody issue down in Tulare County. The court appointed him a lawyer, but that person has not returned a single phone call. Meanwhile, my employee is being bullied by a social worker who seems to be taking advantage of his emotions and inexperience (for example, when he told her that he needed time to review the 30 page fax she just sent, she got mad, hung up on him, and then had her superior call and tell him he is not cooperating). I tried to find the court appointed lawyer on the calbar.org site, but he is not lilsted there. I'm not sure how that could be possible, unless Tulare appoints legal aids instead of real lawyers? Anyway, how do I help my employee get another lawyer appointed to his case? Is it possible to get a lawyer appointed in the county in which you live, since travelling 500 miles to see one is not practical? And, finally, is there any kind of low-cost legal aid in Alameda County? In a nutshell, my employee is poor, uneducated, and very scared and confused by this whole situation. Any suggestions on who can contact for help in this matter would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Heather


Asked on 8/27/08, 10:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cheryl Anne Woodard Cheryl Anne Woodard, Attorney at Law

Re: Court Appointed Lawyer

There should be a family court facilitator in the county where the case is filed who can help him. If not, then he should try the local county court nearest him. There also should be local low cost services, go online and search for "legal aid" in both areas.

I cannot figure out what needs to be done until I interview him, review the documents, and make a few phone calls, i. e. to the social worker, etc.

If he cannot find local services, I offer modest means consultation via telephone for $100 an hour. I will need complete information and I will need to be retained for prepaid telephone conference time. $500 is the minimum. Work begins when the engagement letter is signed and funds are received.

This email does not create an attorney client relationship.

Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Regards, Ch

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Answered on 9/03/08, 7:47 am


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