I am a 31 year old single mother of two wonderful boys, 14 and 8. Yes I was very young when I had my first. My ex-husband and I were married for 11 years and separated four years ago. He was an amazing father when we were married, but since the divorce has turned into dead beat who hasn't called his children in months and has not seen them since Dec. 2006 because he lives in New York. I have gone through a roller coaster of emotions ranging from anger and frustration to forgiveness. I know I am not alone, and that there are many other people out there going through the same situation but it feels so lonely and overwhelming sometimes! Anyway enough background let me get to my question!!!
My divorce finally went through this March because he refuses to respond to any legal documents and I am finally receiving child support. I am trying to increase my support payment, my oldest is attending a private high school and I would like half of the tuition but because he does not respond to the legal documents I have been instructed by the judge to subpoena his salary information. I do not know how to do this, and am thinking of getting a lawyer. I do not qualify for free legal service but can not afford high priced counsel. Does anyone have advice on any good books or resources that I might be able to use?
Try Legal Action Workshop, it is in Bellflower I believe, on Bellflower Blvd. and the 91 freeway. I had friends who needed advice and they helped. Good Luck!
First off, just as an FYI, he does not have to pay 1/2 of private school tuition. I'm a step-mom and we went through it with my step daughter (who moved in with us full time as of last night!!).
Anyway, for legal counsel John York in Orange is honestly one of the best family law attorneys out there. However, he is pricey. This time around we used a service called We The People. It's a paralegal service - they seem to be failry good. Try giving them a call and see if they can help you.
Good luck!
Trust me... hire a lawyer. A good lawyer will be worth every penny, and you may even be able to petition the court to have your ex pay your legal fees. I tried to do it on my own too, but no book can make up for years of legal experience.
I noticed you have a computer, all you have to do is use keyword type in do it your self legal it gives you options on how to serve papers, change the wording around to low cost legal advice from Calif, or what ever state your in, easy as pie, also contact your local city hall ask if they can steer you to a program for low cost legal help, I believe the last friday of each moth the court houses has free legal advice first come first serve but its worth attending.
Good Luck
M.,
Call the Legal Aid Foundation of LA and ask them for the Family Law attorneys who will do sliding scale work. This firm, the name escapes me, will be able to help you with court documents.
Otherwise call the County Bar Association and ask for a referral for a Family Law attorney and then ask the referral how much it will be to do just the subpoena.
Or go to the Legal Grind and try to find an attorney on the board and set up an appointment and again ask how much it would be to do a subpoena --it really is a fairly simple matter and should not cost you too much.
L.
