Legal Question in Family Law in North Carolina

Custody hearing

I had an attorney. He was asking for $26,000 up front for an expected messy battle. I already had spent over $5000 with borrowed money. I had to release him and applied for legal aide. I qualified. The legal aide attorney was willing to take the case but needed an extention to have time to prepare and coordinate attornies. Extention was denied. I now have no representation. Court is 2/26. What do I do? The evidence against my son's father is great but he has good representation. I am desperate. Though I am not perfect, I do not have the laudry list he has. I have sereval character witnesses who will testify but I don't know where to begin. HELP me please.


Asked on 2/17/07, 7:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ruth Emily Kochard Ruth Emily Kochard, Counselor at Law

Re: Custody hearing

First, if you cannot obtain counsel to appear with you, it will be necessary to appear pro se. In that connection legal aid groups typically will provide advice (versus representation) via phone (the hotline). You should make use of this assistance in proceeding by yourself.

Also, in a custody case the result will depend upon what--in the judge's eye--is for the best interest of the child. While it is important to establish the father's inadequacies it is most important to prove--via witnesses--that you are the "best" parent to fullfill your child's needs.

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Answered on 2/17/07, 10:18 am


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