Getting a Court-Appointed Attorney for Child Custody
Many parents wonder whether they can get a court-appointed attorney for child custody matters in California, whether in court or mediation.
Short answer, no. California courts can appoint attorneys to represent minor children, but a judge cannot appoint an attorney to parents in child custody disputes. However, there are some situations in which a judge may order one spouse to pay the other spouse’s attorney fees.
How to Get a Court-Appointed Lawyer for Child Custody
While the court cannot appoint you an attorney, they can order your spouse or child’s parent to pay your attorney fees. There are some circumstances in which a judge may order one spouse to pay the other spouse’s attorney fees. A judge may feel inclined to award attorney fees if wrongdoing or a significant income disparity is present.
This would not be per se getting a “court-appointed” lawyer, but being awarded attorney fees could help alleviate some or all of your legal expenses. The only way to get your spouse to pay your attorney fees is to first file a Request for Attorney Fees (Form FL-319).
You can make your spouse pay for your child custody lawyer either by seeking attorney fees on a need basis, getting an advance on equitable distribution, or proving your spouse’s bad faith. For more information on how to make your spouse or child’s parent pay for your attorney fees, click here or contact one of our child custody attorneys.
Free or Affordable Legal Help for Child Custody
Parents often seek court-appointed lawyers because they can’t afford an attorney for child custody. If you find yourself in this predicament, you can either seek public legal help or contact one of Her Lawyer’s affordable child custody attorneys. Click here for more information about free child custody attorneys.
Do I need an attorney to get child custody in California?
To properly protect your rights in child custody matters, you’ll need to hire an experienced child custody attorney. While California courts do not require that parents have legal representation in child custody cases in court, parental rights are often jeopardized without the protection of an expert child custody attorney.
In California, child custody laws and procedures are extremely complex; a skilled, passionate attorney can navigate them and keep you informed at every turn. The judge’s final child custody order will have a significant impact on you and your child’s life, so it’s important to properly defend your rights in court. Desperate parents too often lie in court to get their way, leaving those without legal representation to fend for themselves. If by any means you are capable of getting legal representation and counsel, you should do so.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a lawyer to help you get child custody, contact Her Lawyer. We’ll get you in touch with an affordable, skilled attorney. Your first consultation is free. We’re here to help you 24/7.