Getting legal help can be a daunting task for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for a single mother who has limited resources. Sometimes, however – especially in the case of a child custody battle – legal representation can make the difference between a positive outcome and a negative one. Here are a few resources to get you started down the legal road:
Child Support Services. These services are free and administered on the behalf of your children. The child support offices have their own teams of lawyers, or they work closely with county and state attorneys to develop the best course of legal action for your case. They will help with DNA testing, overdue child support payments, and other related issues.
Department of Children’s Services. If you have concerns that your children are being abused by someone or that their rights are being violated in some way, this is the place to go. They can help you in court and will work to ensure the best interest of your children. In the event of abuse or neglect, DCS can act very quickly to remove the child from the situation and do what is best for them. Their legal services are free, but keep in mind they are only to handle situations involving the welfare of your children – they don’t handle civil issues.
Legal Aid. Look for the number of legal aid in your state or county. Legal aid is often run by several attorneys who do pro-bono work for those who can’t afford the cost of an attorney. They will file motions on your behalf, appear in court with you and work to see that justice is served.
Legal Services Corporation. The LSC has over 900 offices around the nation with the intention of helping bring adequate legal services to everyone. Contact the headquarters in Washington D.C. to get more information, or visit their website at http://www.lsc.gov
Your Divorce Attorney. If you have gone through a divorce, the attorney who handled that might be able to handle your further legal need, especially if they are about child custody. Don’t be afraid to ask the attorney about legal fees and if there is any way to make the financial burden easier. Many are willing to take payments as you can afford them.
The Local Women’s Shelter. Women who come to the domestic abuse shelters for help need much more than time to recover from injuries or a place to hide from their abusive partner – they need legal advice, and fast. The women’s shelter can put you in touch with lawyers who can help you if you are in an abusive situation.
State Bar Association. You can find out quite a bit of information by asking a few simple questions, and that’s where the State Bar comes in. They can provide you with the most up-to-date news on legal aid, legal questions and concerns, and refer to you to someone in your area who can handle your case.
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