What type of lawyer do I need for a non-divorce custody issue?
818289
Pick up the phone and starting dialing lawyers. You'll likely find one you will send you in the right direction.
1101368
Just go to courthouse and file for child custody. Now there are two types of custody: Physical and Legal. You need to have at least joint legal custody, which means you can make legal decisions for your child. Now whoever has the physical custody keeps the child. And the other parent earns visitations rights. I do not recommend joint physical custody.\n\nNow when it comes to paternity test, you can request it during the custody case. \n\nChild support is another issue. Once you have the paternity test results and have legal custody of your child, your ex needs to take you to court for child support if she has the physical custody.\n\nYou don't even need a lawyer for any of this. If it gets to point where she claims you are an unfit parent or whatever than you can consider to get one. Otherwise don't even waste your money.\n\nPlus whoever files for custody first has the upper hand. Well hope this helps. Good Luck!!!!
443178
Ok...it all totally depends.\n\nIf you don't want to dispute anything, its fairly simple.  Technically you can go to court and file yourselves, but it can be complicated, especially with children involved.\n\nIf either of you is TOTALLY broke, you can apply with your state legal aid program and get a pro bono atty.  If you agree on everything, this one atty. can draw up all the paper work and the unrepresented party can waive right to counsel.  For example, if you are your ex agree on how the custody will be shared, the atty can draw up the papers, calculate child support based on the state laws, and the other parent can just agree to what the atty. files with the court.\n\nWith children involved it is HIGHLY advisable to get attorneys.  Atleast one. Most judges strongly frown upon parents who don't get legal representation when children are involved.\n\nIf there is any disagreement over any aspect of the divorce, you will both need attorneys.  Attorneys charge by the hour, not by the child.  The more complex the case, the more hours you will have to pay for.  So the more you can work out beforehand, the better.  \n\nIn my state $200 is about average.  The amount of the retainer (the $$ you have to pay them up front to take your case) depends on the complexity of the case.  Expect a minimum of $1000.  Plus you will have to reimburse for any filing fees, experts involved, etc.\n\nIf you and your ex agree on everything, you can probably get out for between $1000 and $2000.  If you don't, it can go into the tens of thousands...\n\nGood luck.
89154
You can get some info from the county courthouse. \n\nBut what you really need to do is contact a lawyer in your city to help you with what you need. \n\nYour first contact over the phone should be free so you can see if they are right for you. If they can't give you 10 minutes on the phone for free to ask a few questions, then call someone else. They will outline the process and you will get a feel for if you want to work with them. If there is anything you don't like about them call another. Someone will be able to help you that you get along well with.
1017051
If you can't afford a lawyer, you can call & get the 1st consulation free. Stay on the cops butts & pester the D.A. until the do their jobs & put him in jail. Then you should get full custody again. Good luck!
440547
Check with your local county (or state) bar association.\n\nMany attorneys are willing to do pro bono work to satisfy their bar requirements.\n\nOnline advice is usally not a good idea however, because the lawyer who answers may not be licensed to practice in your particular state, and thus may not be applying the correct law.
755948
Your local bar association can usually hook you up with one.  My late dad was required to do a few probono cases every year, all attorneys should.
820849
You need to hire a Lawyer.
474937
Get a divorce kit at WalMart.  As long as your divorce is mutual and you can work things out together you can file without an attorney.
58133
Start with your state bar association: http://www.nhbar.org/ They will have a lawyer referral service.  They should also have a list of attorneys with a disciplinary record.  Lawyers have to worry about malpractice just like doctors do.   Chances are you will get a good one.  Getting a great one takes a little more work.  Of course the great ones are very expensive.  \n\nAsk for a short list of lawyers in good standing from the state bar.  You may need to call a few attorneys or firms to find someone.  If you tell them that you don’t have a lot of money up front you’ll soon see that a lot of firms will refer you elsewhere.  Ask them up front what their fees are, including all filing fees and expenses.  They can give you an estimate.  Many lawyers are willing to meet with you for a free consultation.  As for their record - ask about it.  They should have a long list of past of clients and references.\n\nIf you are really short of cash seek out pro-bono representation.  There are good lawyers that will help out in family law matters for free through different community programs.
337760
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.
86935
You should talk to a family law lawyer.  They might be able to give you some free advice.  \n\nI think you could go through classes to be foster parents, though, and that would help your case.\n\nIf non-biological dad ever adopted, there is no problem.\nIf not, it will also probably be considered how long he has been in the child's life.  \n\nThe courts do TRY to do what's best for the child.
660341
I say a good lawyer, that would be a start. good luck.
1062922
Hire a Lawyer and follow his advice
959713
You absolutely need to speak with a family law attorney. If you can't afford a lawyer, talk to Legal Aid. If you can't find them in the phone book, your state's Bar Association can give you their number.
624017
if cost is an issue, it will always be cheaper to go to a mediator.  also he/she should call the local courthouse where they are going to file.  there will be a family law facilitator who can assist him/her with questions and in filling out the paper work.  they wont appear in court for you, but will walk you throuh the process step by step.  and its FREE!
1100202
I don't know what state you live in, but there is a national civil rights group called "Fathers for Equal Rights", and they offer an array of free and/or low-cost legal services to non-custodial parents. Their website is: www.fathers4kids.com. Good luck!