Q: Seeking pro bono lawyer for CA child custody case

A: Reach out the the legal aid services, directly. Look for county or city services. The County Bar Association or a law librarian may be able to help you find such services.

A: Try your local Legal Aid Foundation or your county's Bar Association. It's unlikely you will get any offers for pro bono services on this website (Justia).

A: You are not alone. Millions of Californians seek free legal representation. Many in worse situations than yours. There are agencies like Legal Aid, but their funding simply cannot provide legal representation for everyone in need. Attorneys do strive to provide pro bono services more than most other professions, but they cannot survive by donating thousands of dollars in free work. Like you, attorneys need a source of income. The State Bar and courts may have resources for you. If your husband has an attorney you can request he pay for yours as well. Justia is a platform to receive some free general information, but it not a site to find free attorneys

You may want to contact attorneys who provide unbundled legal services directly.

A: Given the urgency of your situation and the upcoming mediation date, you should immediately contact your local legal aid organization - they often prioritize cases involving child custody and potential relocation. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Bay Area Legal Aid, or similar organizations in your area provide free legal services to qualifying individuals, and they understand the time-sensitive nature of custody matters.

Your next step should be documenting everything - save all communication attempts with your ex-husband, including text messages, emails, and phone records showing your efforts to maintain contact with your children. Also, gather any witnesses who can testify about your relationship with your children and your attempts to exercise your visitation rights. This evidence will be crucial during both mediation and court proceedings.

While waiting to secure legal representation, you can file an emergency motion with the court to prevent relocation and enforce your visitation rights. The court clerk's office can provide you with the necessary forms and information about fee waivers if needed. Additionally, consider reaching out to domestic violence organizations in your area - even if your case doesn't involve violence, many of these organizations offer free legal clinics and can connect you with pro bono attorneys who handle family law cases.