Q: If a person has an active indigent status and is fighting for paternity, can they receive free attorney representation?
They were also a victim of a crime and have an active case.
A:
Legal aid services for family law cases are almost nonexistent. So, the chances of getting the help of an attorney for free are basically nonexistent. There are reasons that attorneys are expensive. If people could get services for free, lawyers wouldn't stay in business. These are cold hard facts of life that, frankly, suck.
However, there are things you can do. First, ask the court to have the mother pay some of his attorney's fees. If she has the ability, the court can make her contribute. Also, download the Florida Supreme Court Family Law Forms, complete the necessary forms, set hearings, and move your case forward. If you can get the required forms filed, set it for trial. Do your best with what you have. You can DIY a paternity case. It will be hard, and you probably won't do a good job, but it's better than nothing. This guy can turn his life around, get a job, make some money, and come back to court with a lawyer on another day. You guys can do it. Good luck.
Pamela J. Fero agrees with this answer
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