Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina

Mediation and the next step without a lawyer

I am a single mother of 3 and am in 2 seperate custody battles. I have a lawyer for one of the cases and not for the other because I can't afford it. I took my children to Michagin to make a positive environment for my children and myself. While I was away my children's father(s) went to court stating that I left without their knowledge. Both fathers knew where I was going and why. I was commanded to bring the children back to SC and temporary custody was given to one of the fathers while I continue to share custody with the second father. I have a job but can barely pay the bills as it is. I can not afford the lawyer I have for the first case and am afraid I will not be properly represented because I can't pay her. I know that while in the fathers care my children have been around drugs and alcohol but can not prove it. I try EVERYDAY to contact one of my ex's to see my children and he will not take my calls or makes up excuses why he won't let me see them. I am lost here. I have no idea what to do and how to do it. I can't be without my babies. I cannot bare to have them taken away just because I don't enough money. WHAT CAN I DO? NOW WHAT???


Asked on 4/22/08, 3:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ben Stevens The Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center

Re: Mediation and the next step without a lawyer

If the father has an attorney and you do not, he will have a HUGE advantage over you in the Family Court case. If you cannot afford an attorney, you might contact South Carolina Legal Services to see if they can represent you at no cost.

These are complex issues, and it is important that they be handled correctly. Therefore, it is important that you consult an experienced family law attorney to find out what options are available to you based on the facts of your particular case.

If you need more information, you can visit my family law blog (www.SCFamilyLaw.com) or our website (www.StevensFirm.com). I wish you the best of luck.

Ben Stevens

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Answered on 4/22/08, 3:23 pm


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