How to ask for a free lawyer to be assigned to me?
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How to ask for a free lawyer to be assigned to me?
I received stipulated judgment for dissolution of my marriage. I was given time to respond 1 week. I responded by asking for a month to find a lawyer. I then received request for trial forms in the mail 2 days after I had requested more time. Financially I can not afford a lawyer. How would I handle this and how can I ask for a lawyer to be assigned to me free of charge? I don’t work.
Asked on September 4, 2010 under Family Law, California
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The right to an attorney is a right given under the constitution in a criminal matter. Divorce is a civil matter and so there is not right to have an attorney appointed on your behalf by the court. If you do not work and can not afford an attorney have you tried legal aid or your local bar association (where lawyers may have a pro bono (or free) program)? They may be able to help or to at least point you in the right direction. The Courts may also have a list of free or low cost services that can help you as well. Go down and ask. You can not go on indefinitely with all of this. Good luck.
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