What might be other options for one who does not qualify for a court appointed lawyer? (& can't quite afford a 'regular' one)
2006-10-13 08:31:26 · 7 answers · asked by Fonzie T 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You do have options. If you can not afford to hire an attorney, but do not qualify for a court appointed attorney, you can request that a domestic violence agency assist you in filing for custody, custody modifications, child support, or all types of family court orders of protection. They can also give your referrels to free or reduced fee attorneys...or some have a lawyer or paralegal on staff.
DSS can help you file for child support, if that is what you are seeking. They can also assist you if there is some risk to the welfare of the child.
If you are already involved in a family court case you can request Legal Aid Services (a non-profit agency). They take clients on a case by case basis and do not charge. At least in my county Legal Aid has looser income qualifications then Family Court's court appointed attorneys.
You can also sometimes get a free (or cheap) consultation with a Family Court Attorney. Or...if you and the other party can agree to mediation...you can save yourself a lot of time and money. Family Court mediation is usually free...and you don't have to go in front of a judge.
Otherwise...you are looking to representing yourself in court. I would recommend avoiding that at all costs if the other party has an attorney.
2006-10-13 08:54:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't have any other options, unless you'd like to represent yourself. (Pro se representation. Highly frowned upon by judges, juries, and anybody with any sense.) You need to find an attorney who will either put you on a payment plan (unlikely,) or charges an amount you can afford. If you're a tradesman, you can offer services instead of payment, and if that isn't an option, I'd suggest liquidating assets or selling some property in order to afford a lawyer. If you're talking about a divorce, you NEED good representation. Good luck.
2006-10-13 08:35:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should check to see if there is a Free Legal Aid Office in your county or city (township). Depending on the county or city you may not have to pay for legal fees or pay very little in certain circumstances.
2006-10-13 08:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by rchmnd_s_nicholson 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for another lawyer who is qualified.
2006-10-13 08:34:52 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paralegal to help you with research, legal document business to type up required legal forms without errors that could nullify the whole process.Also consider a Mediator.
2006-10-13 08:36:22 · answer #5 · answered by gettin'real 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if you can hire a lawyer who will take payments from you.
2006-10-13 08:50:04 · answer #6 · answered by Mark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay out of trouble.
2006-10-13 08:33:40 · answer #7 · answered by Colorado 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋