Masters & Legal Aid Lawyers

[PickleZ]

What is the name of your state? Maryland

My ex filed for a change in custody/visititation on a pro se basis. She has since found a legal aid attorney for the upcoming master's hearing. I have a few questions:

1. What is a 'master' ? What typically occurs in a masters hearing?

2. Will the legal aid attorney represent my ex for the entire custody/vistitation change process, or, just for this particular hearing? I'd like a little background on legal aid lawyers.

PS - My ex got out of jail in November, lives with a boyfriend, and has no job. Yet, she gave my kids $100 each for XMAS, supposedly has a new car, got new glasses, new clothes, enrolled in two college courses, etc. How can she get a free legal aid attorney?

Thank you!

 

[dlky]

You never mentioned whether you or she has custody of your children. I assume you do. But, as far as, a master hearing...a "master" is a hearing official. I believe that if your hearing is regarding a change in your visitation agreement, it's probably going to be something that is heard in front of an arbitrator or master. The document you received notifying you of the hearing should specify what information or paperwork you will need to provide. Also, if she's filed Pro se , that means she will be reprensenting herself, and typically for a hearing in front of an arbitrator one wouldn't necessarily need representation anyway. To answer your question about legal aid, the only thing I have to say about that is: the how about how she got it seems to be b/c she's a bum who doesn't work and doesn't have an income. That would probably qualify her for free legal aid. (and financial aid for school) Just b/c her boyfriend supports her doesn't ever legally come into play. I know, frustrating for those of us who actually have to work to support our children. I am not in any way involved in the legal profession, just someone who is a slightly familiar with family court proceedings, so I hope someone else out there can offer any additional insight. dl