Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri
Court appointed lawyer for divorce?
Can a lawyer be appointed by the court to represent the non-filing partner in a divorce case if they cannot afford representation? I am asking for my sister, whose husband has abandoned her, taken all their money and filed for divorce (she was served the papers at her job) He will soon have her evicted from their residence as well. She has contacted Legal Aid and they informed her that they only accept so many cases per month and could not take her case. All her money from her job was in their mutual bank account, which he has taken. He has also taken their daughter. He is not providing any financial assistance to her, although she has a child of her own with her now. Any advice would be appreciated as she has been greatly traumatized by this turn of events and absolutely does not know what to do.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Court appointed lawyer for divorce?
I lost my ISP connection just as I tried to post a response to your question a few moments ago. In case my post was lost, I will respond again.
The law does not provide for the appointment of an attorney by the Court under the circumstances you describe. However, your sister is not completely without hope. In certain cases, an attorney may agree to represent a person in your sister's situation upon payment of a modest retainer fee under an arrangement whereby the attorney seeks a Court Order for the husband to pay the wife's attorney's fees. In other words, it may be possible to make your sister's husband pay for your sister's attorney. If either you or your sister would like to discuss this matter further, please call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822. It certainly appears that she needs competent legal services, and I may be able to help.
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