I was just served papers for Child Custody from my son's father who has not been in his life consistently since my son was born, I am going to represent myself, but i want someone to write up my response with out hiring a lawyer, who would i go to? (i.e. Attorny, Paralegal, etc.)??? please help me!! I need to know ASAP as i only have 2 weeks left to respond!!
2007-05-16 07:43:38 · 13 answers · asked by bootyliciouslatina692 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
First of all Lily, you don't know my situation!! My son does have a father figure and that is my Fiance who has been in my sons life since he was 8 months old! Second, i'm not trying to deny his biological father from seeing my son, i have tried numerous times to have him see my son but always claimed he was too busy until he had to pay child that he did not agree with and now he wants full custody so that he doesn't have to pay child support, he owes me over $16k! So please do not comment on what you do not know!!
2007-05-16 08:02:50 · update #1
Just acknowledge receiving them. No reply necessary. Now in court h will have to prove to the Judge why hes the better parent and why you should be ruled unfit. This is not a criminal trial so you dont have to defend yourself but be thee to answer any questions that the Judge may have. Unless he can pove that you have ever been or are charged with child and/or drug/mental abuse then you have nothing to worry about. I think he needs to start worrying about what hes going to do when the Judge asks him about his child support arrearage. You dont need an attorney or even a paralegal here. Let the court cost him. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to email me at thunder_wright@yahoo.com and I ll get back to you as soon as I can. You have nothing to worry about here
2007-05-16 08:11:37 · answer #1 · answered by Arthur W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a lawyer. It's that simple. You are risking too much by representing yourself. You've heard the old expression that the person who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer. You could lose custody of your son. Do you realize that? If you can't afford a lawyer, ask for a continuance in order to seek legal counsel. There may be a legal services group in your area that would be willing to represent you for a reduced or sliding fee scale. If that's not the case, call the bar association president (call a local lawyer and ask who that is if you can't find out otherwise) and ask for a referral to a lawyer that might represent you in this matter. Most courts and/or judges frown on the idea of someone preparing legal pleadings (e.g. your response and/or answer) without actually making an appearance on your behalf or representing you. This is going to be more challenging than you anticipate. I advise you to get a lawyer ASAP. Good Luck
2007-05-16 07:51:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since we are speaking about your son, you may want to bite the bullet and hire a lawyer.
I know its expensive, but how will you feel if you come out of the proceedings with a judgement that is not in your favor? I would think it would be torture knowing that you could have done better by your son if you had spent the money on an attorney.
It's entirely unfair that lawyers get such outlandish money for doing such ridiculous things as writing letters and making statements. But that's the way the game is played, sick as it is. If you have to play the game, then you'd better play it well.
2007-05-16 07:50:25 · answer #3 · answered by Pythagoras 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states offer some kind of family legal help through the state if you can't afford it. Look up your local court system and see if they have any family law self help services.
I do have to tell you that what seems like a simple issue right now, can only get worse down the road without an attorney. Especially if he has one. Been there, done that. Good luck!
2007-05-16 07:47:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be happy that the man is finally wanting to be in his sons life. You slept with the man, you didn't use birth control correctly, you decided to have sex with out marriage. Don't make another huge mistake and make this child grow up without a child. The boy is not your property exclusively and no way can a woman raise a healthy well adjusted son. Most other men do not want to raise another mans seed. You made your bed now grow up and act like a responsible parent, just like the boys father is trying to do. Ever hear of alienation of affection. Most men leave because dealing with the mom is so hard, not because they don't love the kid.
2007-05-16 07:54:00 · answer #5 · answered by lily 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would ask this question in the law section. But becareful of whom you listen to. Do some backround research to help out.
As for your statement, a paralegal could possibly do it for a fee.
I wish you the best of luck and I hope you win.
2007-05-16 07:48:41 · answer #6 · answered by Paola G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do that, but since you don't know what your doing you can screw up. The best thing is to hire an attorney because he has one and by that will have more priviledge over you.
2007-05-16 07:47:55 · answer #7 · answered by muñeca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the court house their are usually Law Students there who are their to help people out, Cal the clerks office they can tell you were and when they are their.
2007-05-16 07:47:28 · answer #8 · answered by shorte716 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a legal aid office. They help for very little money.
Good luck.
2007-05-16 07:46:53 · answer #9 · answered by mamabear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PLEASE get an attorney. I realize how expensive it is, but the custody of your son is at stake. Don't blow this!! Having representation nearly guarantees that everything will be done properly... Think about your son!!
2007-05-16 07:50:36 · answer #10 · answered by IWantToKnow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋