Bell Gardens, CA asked in Divorce for California

Q: I had a trail for my Divorce and the judge didn't even hear my side. What can I do?

My husband had am attorney but I didn't because of my income. I represented myself & the judge wouldn't let me plead my case. I'm disabled and the judge didn't even care. I was married for almost 20yrs. And being disabled amd not working all those yrs. It's hard to find a job. My husband is a controlling abusive man & without the judge knowing it he's helping him continue the control and abuse. I don't know what to do. I do know I need an attorney because my trial is of record of what happened I would think not being denied to present my case is against my right. Am I wrong?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Angelina Bradley
Angelina Bradley
Answered
  • Monterey Park, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If the statement of decision hasn't been issued yet by the judge, I'd hold off on worrying for now. I've often had self-represented parties come to be, believing their side of the story wasn't heard, only to have the statement of decision come out in their favor. That may be the case here. Judges are pretty good about knowing which facts matter and following the law -- it may have been in your case that the law and facts were pretty clear. Not getting to say everything you wanted to say is not always the same thing as not getting to present your case.

If the statement of decision has been issued, my recommendation is to consult with an attorney to discuss what the decision means and how you can move forward if there are things you don't agree with. The law firm Levitt and Quinn in Los Angeles has pro bono/low bono/sliding scale options. They're a non-profit family law firm and they may be able to help you.

Good luck.

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