How can I get free or low cost legal assistance if I don’t qualify for legal aid?
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How can I get free or low cost legal assistance if I don’t qualify for legal aid?
I cannot afford a lawyer. My husband and I separated a month ago, not my choice. He was threatening and manic (he is bipolar) I have 2 children under the age of 3. Should I be looking for a job or an apartment right now? He is planning on filing divorce in about 2 weeks (fault based, not sure how he is doing this). We already had a court date later next month for support. Also, I contacted legal aid to get assistance but since we own a house in OH they cannot help me. Should I get my name off the deed (I am not on mortgage) to get legal assistance? I don’t care about the house.
Asked on July 22, 2011 Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Often, lawyers will provide help for the impovershed or disadvantage pro bono--for free--as part of their obligation to serve the community and society. You might try contacting you state and your local city bar associations--they often can refer people to attorneys will provide them free, or at least very low cost, assistance. You might also try contacting support or advocacy groups for divorced women, especially those with young children--they may have lists or resources that can help you.
As to whether you should be looking for a job or an apartment--that's less a question of what to do from a legal perspective, and more from the perspective of what is right for you. From what you write, it may make sense to try to develop you own independent resources and place to live. You may also wish to consider filing for a protective order against him, if he threatens you or the children.
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