Asking for help with legal fees

[Scotted11]

Help, does anyone know if there are any resources or way to seek contributions for assistance with legal fees?  I paid out over $17,000 to my own attorney and was also stuck with an extra $5,000 of the ex's just trying to fight for my son, who is now 3.  I only ended up with a percentage of 30 regarding visitation even though I was able to prove that I am, what most would consider, a model father to my child.  The opposing lawyer was typical of why most people despise attorneys, especially family law attorneys.  Any help or contributions would be appreciated.  

[Brent]

>Help, does anyone know if there are any resources or way to
>seek contributions for assistance with legal fees?  I paid out
>over $17,000 to my own attorney and was also stuck with an
>extra $5,000 of the ex's just trying to fight for my son, who
>is now 3.

Unfortunately there aren't really any resources for this kind of thing. No one has been willing to fund it to date, and most of the people who are involved in this are also financially depleted from going through the same kind of thing. :(

The only real alternative is to go pro se (self-represented), but that's an uphill climb in a lot of ways. There are some tips for going pro se here, I've pasted in a few below.


1. Going Pro Se: Essential Tips
    I am not an attorney, but here are a few of the things I have learned about representing yourself in court...
    URL: http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/pro-se.php - size 6kb - 23 Oct 2005

2. Sample Pro Se Pleading For Shared Parenting
    A sample draft of a pro se pleading to the court asking the court to ''uphold both parents' fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their child''.
    URL: http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/jcpleading.php - size 11kb - 23 Oct 2005

3. Can't Afford An Attorney?
    Think you can't afford an attorney? Think again. If you're involved in any kind of extended or contested custody litigation, you need an attorney.
    URL: http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/afford.php - size 4kb - 21 Oct 2005

4. How to Screw Up Your Case in Five Easy Lessons
    In this article, M. Sue Talia gives you a quick course in all of the things NOT to do as a pro se litigant.
    URL: http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/fivelessons.php - size 7kb - 23 Oct 2005

5. Law & Litigation FAQ - 2. I can't afford an attorney. Can I do this myself?
    SPARC Law & Litigation FAQ 2. 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...
    URL: http://www.deltabravo.net/faq/law_ans2.php - size 2kb - 23 Oct 2005