I am going through a tough custody battle where domestic violence is involved, and I cannot find help anywhere. Is there a place besides legal aid that you can find a lawyer that will do pro-bono work? I can explain further if needed for finding a lawyer purpose. (I am in Michigan)
I forgot to add that I have already contacted legal aid and they said that they do not have any resources at this time.
Home | law | Blog article: How do I find a pro-bono lawyer (not legal aid) to help with a custody battle?
W G 3:42 pm on March 18, 2010 Permalink
Normally legal aid is the agency that will handle pro-bono type cases. It differs from state to state though. Other than a legal aid office, probably the best source for possible pro-bono would your state’s bar association. Most state’s bar association has a pro-bono division (or have the phone to give you) where private lawyers have volunteered to do some pro-bono work. You will have to qualify and such but if you do qualify, they will normally assign your case to a private attorney (rather than legal aid) who will do the work without charge to you. You would still be responsible for the costs though.
Please note though that a "tough custody battle" is not something most attorneys want to get involved in when they are not being paid to do it. You may not qualify for pro-bono or your type of case may not be one that pro-bono is done. If you are accepted, once an attorney sees that it is very involved and will cost him/her a lot of time, they may decline to handle the case. Legal aid, or hiring a private attorney, may be your only options.