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Nov 21, 2024, 10:03:06 AM

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I can't afford an attorney. Can I do this myself?

I can't afford an attorney. Can I do this myself?

You can, but you'll need to educate yourself and do a fair amount of work. The benefits are that you will be in complete control of your case and will be able to make informed decisions as to how to proceed as events unfold. 


The disadvantages are that the stakes are high (especially in a custody case) and minor mistakes on your part may have long-lasting negative consequences. In general, we feel that Family Court is not a good place to be without competent legal representation.

With this in mind, if you want (or need) to act as your own attorney (acting 'pro se'), there are resources to assist you:




What is a CASA? What is a GAL? What do they do?

What is a CASA? What is a GAL? What do they do?

'C.A.S.A.' stands for 'Court Appointed Special Advocate'. 'G.A.L.' stands for 'Guardian ad Litem'. 


GALs and CASAs have much in common- both are court-appointed individuals whose job is to look out for the 'best interest of the child' in pending litigation (usually divorce and custody cases). They investigate the matter, use their own judgment in determining the 'best interest of the child' and report their findings and recommendations to the court. 


In contested custody and visitation matters, courts frequently appoint G.A.L.s for the children. A GAL puts themselves in the shoes of a legally incompetent person such as a minor child. He or she also investigates the matter and files a report with the court. G.A.L.s are usually lawyers or mental health professionals, depending on the court and circumstances. 


A CASA is a 'responsible adult' who is usually not an attorney or mental health professional. Often they are community volunteers who do not have the training that a social worker receives. They may also help advise the court as to their opinion regarding the child's well-being.


My step-child's school says I don't have the right to get his school records. Is this true? Is there anything I can do?

My step-child's school says I don't have the right to get his school records. Is this true? Is there anything I can do?

Ask your spouse to sign this Power Of Attorney Form, then get it notarized. A notarized Power Of Attorney Form allows you to legally act on his behalf and request school records, medical information, etc.


I believe our child's therapist has acted improperly. How do I file a complaint?

I believe our child's therapist has acted improperly. How do I file a complaint?

Use the Evaluator / Mental Health Professional Complaint form letter to file a complaint with the correct authority when you believe an evaluator or other mental health professional has violated his or her ethical guidelines, or behaved improperly or negligently.


My child's school refuses to release his report cards and other school records to me- what can I do?

My child's school refuses to release his report cards and other school records to me- what can I do?

If you've already requested his school records with the Getting School Records form letter, the next step is to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office. You can use the Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act Complaint Letter to do this.

Also read:


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