Can you Get a Public Defender For Custody cases?
I live in the state of Ohio and my ex wife is taking me back to court because i chose to let my daughter dye 2 black streaks in her hair and she is going to try to keep my kids away from me, i cant afford to hire a lawyer and was wondering if i could get a public defender for a custody issue or is right to legal counsel only for criminal matters?
Answers:
Where I live Public Defenders only take on criminal cases.
Black streaks seems a little mild for a reason to lose custody, so I doubt that any judge will give your ex the time of day.
If you can't afford a lawyer -- first call Legal Aid or the Bar Association in your area and see if there's a family court lawyer who will help you pro bono -- then the court usually has people who can advise you and even speak to the judge for you, much like a public defender would in a criminal case. Call the clerk of the family court to see if they have something like that as well as the Legal Aid thing.
public defenders are only for criminal cases. however, there might be some areas which have a limited amount of legal aid-type lawyers for assistance in family court matters. you'd have to inquire, also, you'd need to find out, if such a person is available, if your income level is within their guidelines, frequently to qualify, you need to live beneath the poverty line, so it's not a question of not having the extra money, it's the question of having no money, whatsoever.
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