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Thursday 28 March 2024
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Tips for Divorce and Custody Cases

Tips for Divorce and Custody Cases

Free or low cost Attorneys

Public legal aid services can vary widely from state to state, and free help is hard to find. In order to qualify for FREE LEGAL HELP you have to meet strict financial guidelines. For legal help, information , or attorney referrals consider your local legal aid society program,  most all areas have an office, look for nearby law clinics, local law libraries,  State or local Bar Association website or State Legal aid support centers .

This site will guide you to a list of resources in your State, just select your State   Click Here

Find your States Government Website each individual States have there own self help center , county court assistance programs simply Click Here then click your State

 

Self–Advocacy / Pro – Se /Representing Yourself in Court

NO ONE KNOWS YOUR CASE BETTER THAN YOU !

Learn the Basics on going to court  Click Here

Tips for Success, Make a good impression on the judge   Click Here

Find your local law library Click Here   they offer free clinics, free information, lots of valuable resources to lead, and guide you through the process.

Have you considered hiring a Paralegal to help fill out neccessary court documents ?

Go to Craigs list , look under services, then legal there you will find ads by paralegals offering their services, although they cant give legal advise they can help for a fraction of the cost.

 

Buy a few books on how to represent yourself, get knowledge on family law.

 

 

Be careful in agreeing to any court-appointed guardians, psychologists, therapists, evaluators or other professionals associated with your case, especially ones you did not choose. Inform the court that you would like to obtain background information on these people and if you can, submit the name of someone you choose.  This can be very expensive thousands of dollars and their is no guarantee on which way they will go.  The above mentioned professionals, along with judges are complete strangers and have heavy work loads.  Do you really think they should make the decisions ?

 

 

Custody & Visitation

Do not agree to “give up custody temporarily” even for a short time. It can be harder to get it back. If the child is away long enough, the courts jurisdiction can change to the new residence, putting you at a disadvantage. 6 months is a key time frame in most States.

 

Do not alienate the other parent.Children need healthy relationships with both mothers and fathers, if you are having troubles with the other parent find away to communicate with out harsh words. Buy the book Family First by Dr. Phil it offers some great advise and explains the family dynamics on how Alienating the other parent effects children.  There of coarse are circimstances when it is appropriate which he states in his book as well.

 

 

Documents

Keep a spiral notebook and document who you call, who you speak with, and what they say, keep track of what occurs with your attorney, The ex-husband and any and all involved.

file and keep all papers and information pertaining to your case , don’t give away originals.  This is a lengthly process that could take months if not years.

When filing motions, include all the evidence you intend to submit (pages from transcripts, medical records, expert statements what ever is needed for your case and this motion. Check local rules found on your Cities County Court House web site.

When addressing the court in affidavits or Declarations, keep your language clear, to the point and non-emotional. Have someone proofread your documents for clarity. Keep in mind that you are under oath to tell the TRUTH.

***Note  Also at no other time in the whole process other than a trial in court is an individual held under oath to tell the truth.  Just the Facts.

Have 3 copies of documents with you at hearings (one for the Judge, one for the opposing council and one for yourself)

 

If you have a tip please go to the “Contact Us link” at the bottom of this page , your entries will be private, but I will add all good tips and share them with others

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