Q: I need a lawyer for custody/divorce. Legal aid has refused to help. Can't afford private. Can the court appoint?
I am self-representing because I can't get a lawyer and it is not a criminal matter so not entitled to one. Can I submit a motion requesting the court to appoint me a lawyer since he is pushing this to trial? What steps do I need to take to create/submit a motion? Dakota County MN for court case. I live in Kanabec Co MN. Children with dad in Dakota Co. High conflict so all legal aid orgs have refused to take my case. Because he took physical custody from me and forced me to move he has the status quo and all of the custodial advantages. He is also strangling me financially and holds all of our assets in his name only. He was coercively controlling in our marriage and emotionally abusive, but none of that is allowable in court. My previous lawyers failed me and the system has proven it is not on my side. I was a stay at home mom who cared for our home and children so he could climb the work ladder. I need any help I can get.
A: In most civil cases, you do not have the right to a court-appointed attorney. This includes dissolution (divorce), custody/parenting time, and child support cases. In these cases you have the option to hire a private attorney. Some organizations use a sliding scale to charge for legal services depending on your income.
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