Sad Mom asked:


How can I file for child custody without an attorney? Children are being abused and want to live with me. I cant afford an attorney but too high income for legal aid.

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5 Responses to “How can I file for child custody without an attorney?”

1. ♫♪♪ Music is Life*♪♪♫ on April 30th, 2009 2:02 am

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   You can go to this website:

   good luck!! It sounds like you’re doing the right thing.

2. timloyal on May 1st, 2009 6:15 am

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   Depending on the lawyer you will be fighting against, it will be near impossible to battle in court. There are many help places such as nolo legal documents and such but I think it would waste your time more than help. Plus is you weren’t awarded custody the legal action against you could restrain you from contact or taking legal attorney action against the individual again. I would suggest if you don’t have the money seek a church for donation to hire someone. Hope you get the help you need.

3. MLaw on May 1st, 2009 8:21 pm

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   If you can afford rent, car payments, cable tv, 0n-line access, etc. you can afford an attorney. You just prefer to use your $$ for those other things. If the kids are that important to you, you’ll beg, borrow or steal the $$ for a lawyer. If not, you won’t.

4. Remo Aviron on May 2nd, 2009 3:04 am

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   First, yes you can. Just get the papers. There are some paralegal services that might help. Court’s also sometimes have self-help clinics.

   Second, call up your local bar association and see if they have an attorney reference panel. They usually set it up so you can get a consultation for a nominal fee. There is no obligation to retain the attorney you consult with. This maybe enough to get you going.

   Third, children will tell you what you want to hear. They will also manipulate the truth if it will give them an outcome they want. That said, abuse claims are often taken with a grain of salt by the courts. There are alot of people who hurl an abuse claim and most don’t stick. You may need some back up stuff like from Child Protective Services or the children’s schools, or some place, to back up such an allegation.

   Fourth, if the children are old enough, the court will listen to them regarding where they wish to live.

   Fifth, children do not like being the center of a fight. Your ex probably won’t like the allegations you bring. So be careful.

5. Allie on May 4th, 2009 5:37 pm

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   You can’t.