Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Can I represent myself regarding a summons to appear in court due to arrearages? The summons states Respondent appear before court to show why he should not be found in contempt of court and, for failure of good cause shown, citing respondent for contemp and compelling respondent to immediately pay to petitioner all child support arrearags totaling $17,699.90 a/o July 2009, to maintain health ins coverage (which I can show proof on my child as of February 2009 but lost my job and has been awaiting Cobra election as of June 2009), failure to pay said sums and his willful refusal to abide by the terms of this courts judgment, petitioner prays this court incarcerate respondent in an appropriate penal institution until he purges his contempt. I am unemployed, I have no means of payment, I can hardly take care of myself, I lost my employment due to 3 herniated discs in April 2009, I am currently awaiting disability to approve at which time I will have a cash flow again and I will be more then willing to pay on arrearages and current child support and also keep health insurance on my Daughter! What can I do to stay out of jail? Can I represent myself and if so what recommendations can you offer me as to how to present my case? My court date is next Thursday Sept 17th, 2009 and I was given this summons 6 days ago and I have been a total wreck trying to secure an attorney to which I've found that they all require a $1400.00 retainer along with $198.00/hour, I have no way of retaining an attorney since I have no income coming in! Please help

Asked on 9/10/09, 1:27 pm

Anthony Smith LawSmith

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0 attorneys agreed

If you are indigent, you may qualify for appointed counsel. Make the request before court.

Good luck

Answered on 9/12/09, 3:50 pm

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