Go to court in 2 bussiness days/ no Lawyer. HELP!!!!!!!

[robinson30]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?sc

Was served last week and have been trying to get a lawyer since. I was only giving 10 days before i must be in court. They say i make to much for legal aid.(not sure how, i live pay to pay) Can't afford a lawyer and my ex won't give me time to get a lawyer. What can I do????

 

[Zephyr]

calm down....what exactly are you going to court for?

 

[robinson30]

He doesn't think I do a good job as a parent , so he wants custody.

 

[Zephyr]

what is the cureent order?
does he have any proof to back up his allegations?
what exactly is he asking for?
has there been a major change in circumstance in your household?

 

[LdiJ]

He doesn't think I do a good job as a parent , so he wants custody.

Hon, you can get some good advice here....but not unless you tell the whole story, warts and all. We can't give advice in a vacumn. Don't make us ask you 20 questions please.

 

[robinson30]

what is the cureent order?
does he have any proof to back up his allegations?
what exactly is he asking for?
has there been a major change in circumstance in your household?

We were never married, so I have full custody
He called DSS on me and they found nothing and closed the case.
He hasn't been bothered with her for the first 5 yrs of her life. He's just been comming around for the last 3yrs. He claims to be disabled and she get $20 a week child support. The only thing he has complained about is the way i dress her and her hair is not sparkling. She has adhd so she really pays hard. He can't have me so this his way of getting back at me. I nevered bothered him for anything concerning the child, but he's trying to stick it to me.

Oh he has no allegations, besides the paper says a change in circumstances is why he wants her. He feels b/c he has no job he's a better parent

 

[robinson30]

ANd by the way he is married and a cheater, he has taken my child around a few of his flings and told her not to tell. What's that. he also have a history of abuse towards women

 

[Zephyr]

well, just so you know a parent that is more available to the child can sway a judge- it did in my case, my ex is laid off all winter, sits around and plays video games, but the judge thought that would be good bonding time between dad and son, especially since I work until 5 and am not as "available"
so that is considered

but if that is his only leg to stand on then I don't think he will get far with it.

 

[betterthanher]

ANd by the way he is married and a cheater, he has taken my child around a few of his flings and told her not to tell. What's that. he also have a history of abuse towards women

The "history" is irrelevant if there are no official reports to back it up. Him being re-married and cheating is also irrelevant.

 

[robinson30]

The "history" is irrelevant if there are no official reports to back it up. Him being re-married and cheating is also irrelevant.

There are reports of his anger managemnet issues. he's been to jail a few times for this. He's not re-married he's with the same women he's always been with.

 

[robinson30]

What I really want to know is , since i wasn't given enough time to get a lawyer will the judge give him my kid at this hearing and what do i do b/c i can't get on in time? Do i just go to the court like idiot and look dumb?

 

[Mbarr]

What I really want to know is , since i wasn't given enough time to get a lawyer will the judge give him my kid at this hearing and what do i do b/c i can't get on in time? Do i just go to the court like idiot and look dumb?

You absolutely MUST go to court, even if you don't have an attorney. If you do not go, you WILL lose custody. Ask your child's teachers, your daycare providers, her friends' parents, and anyone else who has personal knowledge of your daughter, and who will testify that you are a good mom, to come to court that day. Get a certified copy of your daughter's school records to take to court. Do NOT get the school records if your daughter is failing, has many absences or if she is tardy to school on a regular basis.
Prepare as much as you can on your own, but the first thing you should ask is if the court will grant you a continuance in order to obtain an attorney.

 

[robinson30]

first thing you should ask is if the court will grant you a continuance in order to obtain an attorney.

I was told that i had to ask my ex's lawyer for the continuance and I did and he and his lawyer said no (no surprise).

 

[tigger22472]

I was told that i had to ask my ex's lawyer for the continuance and I did and he and his lawyer said no (no surprise).

And who told you to ask your ex's lawyer?

 

[casa]

What I really want to know is , since i wasn't given enough time to get a lawyer will the judge give him my kid at this hearing and what do i do b/c i can't get on in time? Do i just go to the court like idiot and look dumb?

Good that DSS closed their investigation.

Ask the judge for a continuance in order to obtain an attorney. Go through the yellow pages- pro bono, legal aid, paralegals etc.

Go to the school, get copies of attendance, grades etc. and file them with the court you recieved papers from.

Gather affidavits/declarations from teachers/daycare, neighbors, Dr., family, friends who observe you being a competent parent.

Is your child dx with ADHD? If so, do they take medication &/or do they have a 504 for school etc?

Look up SC family law codes re; Change of Circumstance. You already have custody- so he must prove it would be in the child's best interest for custody to change. Unless you are an alcoholic/drug addict, neglectful or abusive...and as long as your child is doing well...it's going to be an uphill battle for the father.

See if the county court has a website- check out hours, services etc.