this is a case of grandparent visitation. i am the parent, my sons rights as well as mine have been totally violated by the court system in Dallas, TX. how do i get a pro bono attorney to help when the state wont assign me one? this is a case that has the potential to change the current laws. it would be interesting and possibly law changing.
2007-03-08 03:30:04 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
to dussin23: the case could change current law in that Texas is not applying the Troxel decision by the superior court. Texas has adjusted their statutes, but they are still too broad, and do not protect the 14th amendment rights of parents. in my case, the grandparents have been ordered visitation without bringing one shred of evidence that i am an unfit parent, or that my child would be negatively impacted by not visiting with them. on the contrary, I have proven that their visits have a negative impact, yet the court has ruled in favor of the grandparents without meeting the standards set forth in the statutes. the statutes still allow the judge to override my parental decision making void of proof that it is in error.
2007-03-08 12:35:18 · update #1
Carp, the Texas Bar Association demands that its members do a certain amount of pro bono work per annum.
To the questioner: Could you be more specific? How do you think your case could challenge current law? Certain family practice firms may have an interest in changing the current law, as well, or maybe they won't.
edit:
I'm not sure about that one. It's going to depend on specifics about how they negatively impact the children. And that's problematic because you're probably going to need an expert witness. They're expensive. I will say that, in general, attorneys LOVE to make case law. I'm sure if you have a really good case you can find a lawyer who will take it. Pro bono, I'm not sure. It sounds like a very complicated case and I'm sure it will far exceed any attorney's pro bono quota. But I wouldn't rule it out until you've tried. I'd start with e-mail. Just find a bunch of family law websites and start sending away. Include as much information as you can in your letter.
Good luck to you.
2007-03-08 08:32:03 · answer #1 · answered by dussin23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't give many specifics, nor am I admitted to practice in Texas. I DO urge you to stay far away from the prepaid legal service advertised above. Its a form of insurance, its of questionable value and even more questionable ethics. Like most forms of insurance, it doesn't cover cases which happen prior to obtaining the insurance.
I don't know what you do for a living, but let's say for discussion sake that you're an engineer. If someone comes to you and says, "I would like you to oversee a building construction project that may take years, have thousands of dollars in expenses, and may ultimately fail, and I want you to do it for free..." would you take the job? This is what you're asking here.
Attorneys don't earn money by giving their time and knowledge away. That's the only thing that an attorney has to sell, is his/her time, knowledge and expertise.
One of the people above mentioned that the Texas Bar requires its members to do so many hours of pro-bono time each year. I don't know. You might check with them. Another option would be to contact the legal clinic at a local law school and see if you are eligible for them. These legal clinics are staffed by 3rd year law students who are praticing under the supervision of licensed attorneys to assist those without funds.
Ultimately, you may need to find the funds to retain an attorney. For a referral to that, contact the Texas Bar Association.
2007-03-08 16:56:00 · answer #2 · answered by Phil R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most affordable and effective way to get access to a TOP Law firm in Texas is the links below. This will allow you to talk to an Attorney about any Legal Matter. It covers the entire family and can be used Nationwide. If you have any questions, please contact me. Hope this helps.
2007-03-08 13:19:31 · answer #3 · answered by citronge69 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The first thing I would try is to call any colleges in the area and look for law students... they are often looking for pro bono work as part of an understudy. Good luck to you...!
2007-03-08 11:39:54 · answer #4 · answered by Andrea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it's possible unless there is an attorney willing to take on the cause. Attorney's and their staff have to eat too! Would you do your job for free?
Why not try your representation in governement(state senators and representatives.)
2007-03-08 11:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by Carp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋