Custody trial without legal aid

[DJmommy]

My husband and I are about to begin trial for custody of my step-daughter. We do not have the means to hire an attorney and I need advice on how to put this together. We used to have an attorney, but they charged us more than an arm and a leg and didn't do anything to help our case. They withdrew when we couldn't afford to pay them any more money (about $15,000.00) after child support was enforced. My husband did not know his daughter existed until she was a year and a half old when DOR presented him with a paternity suit. We are now fighting this on our own and need help getting the case in proper opder to present to a judge. Are we able to interview people to be a witness (like a parent counselor) or must both parties be available for questioning? Also, are character witness a good idea? Do they need to appear in person, or can they write letters if they are out of state? There is information we have about the other party (his ex) that would be helpful to us, but can we use it if there is no way to prove it other then them being honest (highly unlikely)? Any advice would be appreciated greatly as we cannot afford legal representation but do not qualify for legal aid........

[Attorney Howard Iken]

You may not be able to afford representation - but you probably can afford a couple of 1-hour coaching sessions. There are points that are in-between full representation, and no help. Going into a custody case without anything will not be a good experience for you.

To answer your questions:

Letters, in general, are not admissible in court.

Character witnesses can help but the judge may choose to shut it down.

You are allowed to talk with witnesses beforehand.

The fact is, a lot of opposing witnesses will outright lie. That is why you need depositions and other tools - when money is available.

Attorney Howard Iken

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Orlando, FL 32835
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