Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Be Careful Representing Yourself in Family Court Matters

I spoke with a mother yesterday, who lives with her daughter in California. The father (ex husband) filed an action in Family Court to compel visitation with the 6 year old child. Mom could not afford an attorney, but she wondered what she could plan on happening that day in court. She wondered whether she needed to bring her daughter and whether the matter would be completed that day given that she has to fly in from California to contest it.

I will not go into the detailed answers to all of her questions here, but wanted to point out that it is ALWAYS BEST to consult an attorney for such a matter, because if she filed papers on her own, she could have missed the opportunity to file a motion to dismiss the action, because it probably should be heard in California!

Jurisdiction in child custody matters can be tricky for attorney, nevermind a lay person. Some attorneys will not take the time to warn a person about such things when they hear "I cannot afford an attorney," but we will, to the extent we can.

If you have Rhode Island Family Court questions, and aren't sure where to turn, call me!

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