Custody Help MN: I am trying to get custody of my two twin neices.

[thommxiong]

I am trying to get custody of my two twin neices. Their mother abandon them because she is a drug user and their father is in prison for drugs. I went to a pre trial already and I have a trial scheduled already for the end of this month. The judge wants me to have all documents prepared and recommends I talk to an Attorney. I can't afford an Attorney and have tried all sites possible through the MN Law Library. I've even called a couple of Attorneys and they said that it's too soon and they would not be able to help me prepare the documents. Can anyone tell me what kind of documents is needed? Since I can not afford to get an Attorney, I want to just represent myself. My two neices are living with me. I know that I will need to submit a Witness List, Exhibit List and a joint statement. Please help!

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by thommxiong I am trying to get custody of my two twin neices. Their mother abandon them because she is a drug user and their father is in prison for drugs. I went to a pre trial already and I have a trial scheduled already for the end of this month. The judge wants me to have all documents prepared and recommends I talk to an Attorney. I can't afford an Attorney and have tried all sites possible through the MN Law Library. I've even called a couple of Attorneys and they said that it's too soon and they would not be able to help me prepare the documents. Can anyone tell me what kind of documents is needed? Since I can not afford to get an Attorney, I want to just represent myself. My two neices are living with me. I know that I will need to submit a Witness List, Exhibit List and a joint statement. Please help!

You need an attorney's help -- who can advise you of procedure and prepare the documents plus appear at the trial. When a judge tells you to get a lawyer it is for good reason. He has seen and heard you at the pre trial proceedings and believes you need to be represented by a lawyer -- from what he has seen and heard.

Try Legal Aid and your state bar association to see if you can get an attorney to help you. Legal Aid handles custody matters and many state bars maintain a pro bono panel.

[Lexus]

From the facts it doesn’t seems that you can represent yourself in this case. You need the help of an Attorney. If the judge asked you to consult with an Attorney that means the matter is a little bit heavy, and you may not be able to handle it. Custody procedures include complex legal procedure which can be handled by an expert Attorney. So you have to get the help of an Attorney. You can seek the help of legal aid or can contact with the bar association in your county. For sure they will provide the service of an Attorney.

[thommxiong]

Thank you for the advice!