Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

Visitation Modification

My ex refuses to follow our agreement and our son misses a lot of school. He's 16 and wants a say in matters. I can no longer afford representation as my bill is so high from custody trial that I can't pay it off in a lump sum. SHould I try to represent myself or are there attorney's that can work on sliding scale or monthly fees that could help me. I live in Santa Rosa, CA, but the cases is in Indianapolis, Indiana. This person constantly harasses me and I give him what he wants, but it doesn't end. I recently signed a form to end child support in lieu of airline fees be paid. After doing this, he's locked me out of the reservation system with a password so that I can't find any information out about flights, changes, etc. There has to be an answere some where as I'm at the end of my rope. My ex says he would end this if I'd just give him our son back... I don't want to, but I'm going crazy! Please help.


Asked on 12/28/99, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Marvin Coffey Marvin E. Coffey Attorney at Law

Re: Visitation Modification

<<. I can no longer afford representation as my bill is so high from custody trial that I can't pay it off in a lump sum. >>

Hire a different lawyer.

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There is an old saying that a person who represents themselves, has a fool for a lawyer. Never go to court without a lawyer unless you first resign your self to losing. You don't know the rules and do not have any experience in a courtroom. An experienced lawyer will eat you for lunch. Every lawyer sets his fees depending on the case. In your case you live on California which would make it more costly and inconvenient to handle. The only thing a lawyer has to sell is his time and his knowledge. Everyone wants their case to be handled for free. It would not take long to go broke doing work for free.

<< I recently signed a form to end child support in lieu of airline fees be paid. After doing this, he's locked me out of the reservation system with a password so that I can't find any information out about flights, changes, etc. >>

No private agreement between the two of you is enforcible unless the court approves it and makes it a part of the courts order. If this was not done he still owes the support. It would be rare indeed for a court to approve an order for no support.

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Answered on 12/31/99, 10:00 am


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