I am a single parent with low income.  The courts tell me $300 and a lot of paperwork will eventually get it done.  But I can't afford that.  They gave me a packet to do it myself and it's overwhelming.  Soemone please help.
200413
Just start at page one, and fill out what they give you...  when you take it in, they will go though it and unwittingly tell you what you have made mistakes on, its a great way for free legal assistance.  Also see if your state has a legal advocate, or friend of the court's office to help.
5283
you HAVE to answer to the papers that were served to you.  if you do not, all odds are against you, because it will appear to the judge that you simply do not care.  this requires filing a response with the county clerk, which usually costs a fee - call and find out how much in your county.  if you have kids and are interested in keeping them, you should really use an attorney - the courthouse sometimes has referrals that will go on a sliding scale based on how much you earn, or maybe they will have a payment plan since you are unemployed.  \n\nat this point, assume everything is not in your favor.  everything depends on your particular situation.  was he abusive?  were you?  who has been the primary caretaker of the children, etc.?  judges are mean - they will laugh in your face sometimes if you appear pro se, but i think it's worth it, especially if you win.  also, is there material involved, i.e., houses, cars, etc.?  who wants what?  i would attempt to talk to him if possible and find out what he really wants, i.e., kids - joint custody, or weekends only; house, etc.?
10295
Go to family court and file papers for it
553510
yes here what has to happen the mother of the child would have to give you guardianship of child. here how you do you have to hire a attorney. what you do have the mother of child she has to sign over guard ship to the child to you. then the lawyer can write up guarder ship papers. Once that done you have guarder ship of the child you may have to go to court but it all what the best interest of the child. It be a court battle deciding what is best for the child either you get you the child or he/she might go in frostier care I just preparing you for the worse and hope for the best. I believe  you may be able to get a lawyer pro bro no I don't know or low cost.  One is legal aid but I don't who else you can call if you under a certain income but really if you don't have to go to court it only cost you 300.00 but we see until you daughter finished with he prison term.
311232
Child custody battles are far more complicated than filing a form.\n\nYou might try Legal Aid or your local bar association for advice regarding affordable legal representation. You would be ill advised trying to represent yourself in this matter.
564636
Check with the probate court, I picked up the papers from them when I applied for guardianship of my nephew. Ours is at the town hall. I did have to have them notarized, and banks aren't willing to do it, so I had a lawyer's secretary who was a notary do it. It was pretty cheap, and easy. The biggest expense was filing the papers -$150.00
300276
Just go to your county office and pick up the forms. Make sure every blank is filled out properly and then take it and pay your filing fee and it is done............
21584
Go to your local library tell them you need divorce papers. You can then copy the papers and fill them out. The papers at the library tell you what you need to do and where to go. If you have questions on it you can always call an attorney or check it out on the web. Of course you take it the court house pay the fees. If he contest, or decides to make it difficult for you, then get an attorney, if you can't afford one the courts will usually recommend one or head you in the right direction. In most states whoever files has the burden of all costs. In some, they split.
537388
I would suggest that you consult with an attorney.\n\nIn almost every state, if there is a CPS proceeding, or child in need of care proceeding, you are eligible for an appointed attorney if you cannot afford one.\n\nI urge you to contact an attorney licensed in your state to assist you.  For a referral if you are not eligible for a free attorney, contact your local or state bar association.  Please... don't try and do it cheaply.  Your kids are worth it aren't they?
189407
you would probably be better off going with guardianship if all parties are willing.  talk to a lawyer who specializes in family law, should cost less than 50 bucks for a little advise to get you started.
497536
You can get this at the local county court office.  You will need to spend some money for the forms they are NOT free on the Internet.  The bad news is that in some states your parents have to agree to this.  Be careful because this could also open of a case of incorrigibility against you.\nBest of luck
19212
Of course, this varies by state and even county, but I think if you just go to the courthouse and file...they can take care of it. Usually you have to pay a constable or sheriff about $35.00 to go serve them but if they can't find him then it can become some hefty fees. The best thing is to go to your courthouse and ask if you can do a Publication. They advertise that person A is seeking a divorce from person B, and if no one responds they count it as a default and they lose all say in the proceedings. The best thing is to contact your local courthouse and ask.
144332
What state are you in? That will make a difference. What you should try to do is find legal aid in your area that will assist with custody cases. That way you'll get legal help at low or no cost.
156752
go on line and go under attorneys. then type in probate attorneys. There are all kinds of attorneys that work and give advice for free. Especially when it comes to children. Free bono attorneys just do some research. and to file she doesn't need any money. just go to the court house to the clerk and ask for a divorce packet tell them mom with child and no money and they will wave it all. I know i did it with 3 girls and a screw up for an old man. He doesn't even have to show up just send a certified copy to last known address and that's all you need to do. If he shows good for him if not better for you....
655685
Contact a lawyer. Short of that How busy is your Courthouse? You will likely have to file the papers there and that is where you would proably get them. If you have a Courthouse that isn't like overly busy or at least has good people then I'd say go talk to them about what papers you need. I think it is great to hear you want to do what you feel is in the best intrest of the child. Not enough people do that these days.
174035
Your state should have a legal aid helpline.  Not sure where you live but do a Yahoo! search and type in your state's name and legal help and you should be able to find something there.  They might be able to give you advice for free because of your limited income.
98040
Sure, you can probably do it yourself, but you have to know what paperwork to file.  Try going to your county clerk of court's office.  Ask someone there if they know of a few recently filed "modification of child support" actions filed.  Since a filed lawsuit should be considered public record, they may be able to let you look at a few so that you will know how to draft your own.  \n\nBeware!  Your attitude and the person you are dealing with at the clerk's office makes all the difference in the world.  If you aren't successful in one county, try another.\n\nGood luck!