Visitation/Custody

[littlebit27]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I live in GA, Child and Father live in MD.

My EH filed a motion with the court to have jurisdiction switched to MD from GA which is where the divorce was finalized 1 yr. ago April.

Then he filed a motion to modify the custody agreement. He wants to take away my legal custody and change visitation schedule.

He is in complete contempt currently as he has no let me see my daughter in over a year and hasn't let me speak to her since Easter. And that has not been without lack of trying on my part.

Well I took all my paperwork to a friend of my who knows a bit about law and she noticed as soon as she looked at the papers that the papers I have, that I was served, that state filed on such and such date (modification papers) AREN'T signed by either my EH or his attorney. Is there ANYWAY those papers could be a before signed copy even though the top page has filed?

 

[stealth2]

We can't see them, so we have no way of knowing. Really, you'd be best off taking your papers to a lawyer rather than to a friend who may know something-something about the law.

 

[littlebit27]

If I could afford a lawyer, I would. But I can't. My friend is a paralegal, does this stuff all day long.

I was served the papers from the courts that say FILED stamped on the front-no signatures at all.

 

[Ohiogal]

If I could afford a lawyer, I would. But I can't. My friend is a paralegal, does this stuff all day long.

I was served the papers from the courts that say FILED stamped on the front-no signatures at all.

Copies do not necessarily have to be signed.

 

[stealth2]

If I could afford a lawyer, I would. But I can't. My friend is a paralegal, does this stuff all day long.

I was served the papers from the courts that say FILED stamped on the front-no signatures at all.

Paralegal != lawyer. Many of whom offer free consultations - make an appointment.

 

[mistoffolees]

Paralegal != lawyer. Many of whom offer free consultations - make an appointment.

I agree. Talk with an attorney. You can even ask the attorney to request that the ex pay the expenses if the suit is found to be frivolous.

In this case, an attorney may be able to get the whole thing thrown out on jurisdictional issues with very little time or expense. If OP messes around with the process, it's likely to get dragged out for a long time and cost a great deal more money - AND she could lose custody.