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  • If any of you can give me advice or refer me to someone who can, I would greatly appreciate it. Long story short....I fled an abusive marriage (verbal, emotional, financial, then physical). We're in Family Court to deal with Child Custody/Visitation and Support. My former attorney left me stranded when I could no longer afford to keep him on retainer. I requested and was awarded a court-appointed attorney for the Custody trial. But, I just found out from Family Court that court-appointed attorneys are not given for Support cases. I'd have to either hire another attorney or represent myself. I can't afford another $300+/hr attorney and representing myself isn't an option. My husband has convinced the judge that he has no money. Meanwhile, he lives in a luxury hi-rise in Midtown, takes weekend getaways, etc., while I, the SAHM, was denied spousal support and can't afford toddler daycare with the temporary child support we were awarded. I need help in getting a bit more money from my husband so that I can get back into the work force while someone looks after our child. I need someone who isn't afraid of the Support Magistrate and will plead my case properly, which is something my previous attorney couldn't manage. Any ideas or suggestions on what to do? Have any of you been in a similar situation? How did you manage it? I hope this message is clear, as I wrote it while trying not to panic about the "What ifs." TIA

    22 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]
    11.06.09, 10:59 AM [ Flag ]

    • so unfair - im sorry - i wish i had someone i could refer you to - keep topping your post - maybe someone will.. good luck..

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      11.06.09, 11:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • Have you tried calling the NYC Bar Association?

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      11.06.09, 11:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • Whatever state your are in go to that state's Bar website, and look up pro bono attorneys.

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      11.06.09, 11:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • just go and represent yourself. the judge will walk you through what you need to do and say. chances are you will end up getting the support you need to get on your feet again. those judges have seen and heard everything and will be able to see through ex.

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      11.06.09, 11:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • Years ago, i remember I needed some legal services and found a place in Harlem that had layers help people for free. I unfortunately don't have contact info, but maybe try googling or calling 311 and asking if they could help you with locating such a place?

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      11.06.09, 11:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • http://www.lawhelp.org/ny/

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      11.06.09, 11:14 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • Call Brooklyn, NYU, Fordham, and New York Law and see if they have a family law clinic.

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      11.06.09, 12:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • an organization that helps abused women (such as The Retreat, in my area www.theretreatinc.org)may provide legal advocacy. I was helped with custody problem, no charge. A rep even came to family court with me and waited all day to see judge. if they cant help they may refer.there must be something like this in nyc. good luck!

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      11.06.09, 12:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • don't know if they take such cases, but try the Legal Aid Socienty.... http://www.legal-aid.org/en/home.aspx

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      11.06.09, 01:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • Thanks ladies for the support and referrals! Wanted to clarify, we're in NYC. We've already had two hearings and judge wasn't at all sympathetic to my situation. He keeps saying "You know, you've got to go out and get a job!" And I think to myself, "Yes sir, duh, I know that, but there's the small matter of not having enough money to pay someone to care for my child." That's why a (great) lawyer for trial is so important. Need someone who can get us more $ so that I can get back on my feet.

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      11.06.09, 06:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • call inMotion and see if they might take your case.

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      11.06.09, 06:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • call everywhere you can and try to get pro bono attorney, DO NOT REPRESENT YOURSELF. whoever posted that does not know what they are talking about. i am attorney and wouldn't even represent myself, anyone who does is a fool. there has to be resources for you in NYC, i'm not there but looks like you should find something. why were you denied spousal support? do you have copies of your tax returns and other documents that show what your husband makes?

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      11.06.09, 06:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

      • ITA am an attorney also

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        11.06.09, 06:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]

      • Denied spousal support because husband is paying off debt that I wasn't aware of: owes ex-wife child support in low six figures!, that payment is $3K/month, plus others. His financials show more going out than coming in, but like I said he's living in nice 1 BR with plans to move to 2 BR in same bldg. So, there's something wrong with this picture, and I can't fix it on my own. As for taxes, he skated by without filing for the past few years. And although he works as a consultant, thank goodness right now his income can be traced because company is paying him as if he were salaried.

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        11.07.09, 07:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

        • you need a good attorney. this is complicated. he probably owes back taxes. is he paying any child support to you? don't see how the judge can look at child support to first wife and deny it to 2nd

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          11.07.09, 09:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

          • OP: He definitely owes back taxes, hasn't filed in years. He's paying child support, about 17% of his salary and I'm grateful for it. But it's not enough for the two of us to live on and pay for childcare, while I look for work.

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            11.08.09, 07:41 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]

    • so sorry you're going through this. do NOT represent yourself; call a legal aid society and see where they may be able to refer you.

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      11.06.09, 07:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
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