Getting more visitation time without an attorney
So what do you do when you want adjust the visitation schedule but can't afford the huge expenses of an attorney? Right now BF has kids every other weekend, every other holiday and 2 weeks in the summer. He would like to add 1 night during the week, every other birthday and more time in the summer. I know she would fight this tooth and nail!
What's considered 'normal' visitation? It seems like what he wants to ask for isn't out of the ordinary. But we won't be able to afford an attorney. Any advice?
- Flying.Purple.Step.Monster's blog
- Log in or register to post comments
Comments
In the 2 states (Ct and Ma)
In the 2 states (Ct and Ma) that I have dealt with custody there are free attorney advice programs. This is not the same as hiring an lawyer, it's just free advice on legal matters. THey can help you figure out what paperwork you need to file and may help you fill it out.
My ex and I didn't use lawyers we agreed on everything and are flexable but H and his ex didn't divorce nicely. BM had a lawyer and H did not. We talked to one of these lawyers and they explained his rights and how things were going to go. What he could file and when. In the end H got pretty much all he asked for with visitation. He jumped through every hoop BM laid out and the judge saw all he really wanted was to be a part of the kids life.
My point is (I rarely have one but this time I do)you don't need a lawyer as long as you can show you are doing it in the kid's best interest. I assume you live somewhat close considering your current arrangement. Call the courthouse (probably will have to file in the county where skid legally resides) and see what type of programs they have for this. He may have to take some time off of work to file the paperwork and make appearances and there is the filing fee expences but in the end it won't cost you near as much as a blood sucking lawyer.
In most cases, as long as the
In most cases, as long as the BM and BF can get along enough to be reasonable, a written agreement should be enough. This is something that was written into my DH and his EW#1's recent custody agreement - any decision that demonstrates both party's agreement would be binding and they couldn't go back and refuse. I agree with Quip on this one - get some free legal advice, even if it's doing a free consultation with a family law lawyer.
In Wa. State you do not need
In Wa. State you do not need a lawyer to file for either a major or minor parenting plan/ residentual schedule modification. I know here you can google Wa. court forms and all the forms needed to file for a modification are online. The website even gives detailed instructions on how to fill them out. There is a filing fee, and I'm sure this applies to most states.
Hope this helps