My ex-husband sent me a pack of paperwork, through certified mail, that is a petition to modify the custody arrangement,of our daughter, that we set in the divorce decree. Its full of false accusations, that are very simple to refute. My lawyer wants $3500 just to look at it, which I cannot possible afford, and I also live in a different state. He lives in Texas, which is where the divorce was finalized... and I'm in Arizona. I need all the advice I can get, please help. =( (I'm using a friends account to post this, but I'll check up on it)
2007-10-26 18:08:12 · 7 answers · asked by Wraithwind 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Shop around for a cheaper lawyer. Don't tell them the story on the phone just ask their price for looking at a custody paper and advising on it. You can always talk money if you have to go to court
Be aware that if you live in different states he can get the custody altered in the state he is in and your state does not have to recognize it in some cases.
Either way, if you don't want to lose your children you get a lawyer and you get a lawyer in the state he is filing in.
Good Luck
2007-10-26 18:16:01 · answer #1 · answered by mn lady 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Relax, a petition is just a simple request for an audience with the court that lists the concerns that the other party has. If you must go in without counsel, do so. There is no shame in not being able to afford it. Sometimes in these situations, you may draw a sympathetic judge.
The most important thing to do is to relax. What is most important is that the court RARELY will seek to upset the status quo unless there is clear evidence of unfitness on the part of the custodial parent.
It all boils down to what is in the best interest of the child.
2007-10-26 18:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by MHnurseC 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you need to look in the phone book for legal aid and they should base their fee upon what you can afford.
next, remember that you can also use many public libraries to go online if your friend is not at home or available and if they allow you to, you can still set your own account on his or her computer.
to get back to your question though, legal aid may be able to file a response to the petition there from Arizona so that you don't have to return to Texas for that. Good luck in this.
2007-10-26 18:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by Al B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In CA every county has an office where people can get help with eactly what you're describing...check in the county in TX and see if there is a free family law center which could help you fill out and file the response papers.
2007-10-26 18:14:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would get a second job or do whatever I had to so that I could get a good attorney. You might want to pay the $150 for a consult first and see what the attorney says.
2007-10-26 18:33:58 · answer #5 · answered by oh_my_its_linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine is doing the exact same thing. it keeps getting worse and i would recommend a lawyer, even if you have to charge it on credit. besides, theres always a good chance they can get the court to make him pay for it, especially since he is bringing false accusations.
..what seems simple can get real bad real fast....
2007-10-26 19:07:55 · answer #6 · answered by the evil1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check with the social services in ur area, the may be able to help or find u a lawyer
2007-10-26 18:19:34 · answer #7 · answered by charlesjerrell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋