Can a resident of one state get legal aid for a case in another state?
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Can a resident of one state get legal aid for a case in another state?
My boyfriend has gone through marriage dissolution finalization in 6 months ago. His now ex-wife is opening a case against him (in his previous place of residency; she and his 2 dependents still live there) to contest/dispute the ruling of zeroing out his rears payments and shared debt. He had a lawyer for the divorce because he wasn’t able to appear and needed representation. He is now relocated and is a working resident here. His former lawyer is no longer in his budget after his child support and minimal bills.
Asked on October 25, 2011 under Family Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
There is no guaranty of a lawyer in a civil case, including matrimonial, divorce, etc. cases. That means that if he can't afford a lawyer, one does not need to be appointed for him. Only in criminal cases is an attorney guaranteed.
There are some free legal resources for those who cannot afford an attorney in civil cases, but their standards are strict (it can't merely be that affording an attorney would be difficult; the litigant must be unable to afford one) and the demand for their services outstripes their resources, so only around 1/3 (or so) of applicants can get this assistance. He can try contacting Legal Services; he can also contact the state and county bar associations where he lives, who may be able to refer an attorney who will do the work pro bono (for free)--many lawyers and law firms will do some pro bono work each year.
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