Legal Aid For Child Custody

Full Conversation

do they do emergency in immediate situations
Yes, the Louisiana Civil Justice Center does handle emergency situations. However, it's worth noting that their response time may vary based on the volume of requests they have at any given time.
Are they answering the phones * hours a day?
The Louisiana Civil Justice Center's hotline hours are typically Monday through Friday, * AM to * PM CST. They are not a *-hour service. For immediate help outside these hours, consider contacting a local family crisis center or the police, if necessary.
is there a local family crisis center in Livingston Parish or East Baton Rouge Parish
Yes, there are several local family crisis centers in Livingston Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish. Two options are:
- The Iris Domestic Violence Center in Baton Rouge, LA: *-*-*-*, www.stopdv.org
- The Livingston Parish Children's Advocacy Center, Denham Springs, LA: (*) *-*, www.livingstoncac.org
Are there child adversary, casa, family, pro bono, attorneys or juvenile attorneys that would show up for a court date in the morning
Yes, pro bono attorneys and CASA volunteers can represent in court. They can be contacted through local legal aid organizations or CASA agency. For Livingston Parish, you can reach out to the Louisiana Civil Justice Center or the Capital Area CASA Association.
Can you give me that number?
Sure, here are their contact details:
~Louisiana Civil Justice Center
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.laciviljustice.org

~Capital Area CASA Association
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.casabr.org
is there any other resource or association or adversary, firm, etc. that I could contact for the situation?
Sure, you can also contact the Baton Rouge Bar Association. They have a Pro Bono Project that provides free legal assistance.
~Baton Rouge Bar Association
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.brba.org/ProBono
is there a juvenile justice system or juvenile pro bono lawyers
Yes, Louisiana has a Juvenile Justice System, and there are pro bono services available for juvenile cases. You can contact the Louisiana Center for Children's Rights for assistance.

Louisiana Center for Children's Rights~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.laccr.org

so you’re giving really good information if my son is being neglected and we have exhausted pretty much every resource available and we’re in Rapids Parish what do you suggest that I do and who can I call?
In Rapides Parish, Louisiana, you can contact the Rapides Children's Advocacy Center or the Department of Children & Family Services for immediate help in child neglect situations.
- Rapides Children's Advocacy Center:
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.rapideschildrensadvocacy.org
- Department of Children & Family Services:
Phone: *-*-4LA-KIDS (*-*-*-*)
Website: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov
Anybody but DCFS…
In that case, you may want to reach out to local law enforcement or the Rapides Children's Advocacy Center directly. They can provide assistance in cases of child neglect.
~Rapides Children's Advocacy Center
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.rapideschildrensadvocacy.org

is there anybody else that I can contact?
You could also consider reaching out to a local attorney specializing in family law. In Rapides Parish, the Alexandria Bar Association might be able to help. Would you like their contact information?
Yes.
Great, here are their details:

Alexandria Bar Association~

Phone: (*) *-*

Website: www.alexandriabar.com

What do I say to them?
When contacting the Alexandria Bar Association, you can explain your situation concisely, emphasizing that it involves potential child neglect. Ask if they can recommend a family law attorney who may be able to assist you.
What would I say to the children’s advocacy center?
When contacting the Children's Advocacy Center, explain your concern about possible child neglect, and ask them for guidance on the next steps. Ask if they can provide any immediate assistance or recommend resources for legal representation.
I’ve put an emergency motions. I have put in a motion for contempt. I have put in a motion to change a considered custody judgment, and I have heard nothing.
It's possible that there could be delays due to court backlog. You might want to contact the court clerk's office to inquire about the status of your motions. Can you tell me which court you filed these motions with?
Juvenile Court, Rapides parish Louisiana division D district *
You can contact the Rapides Parish Juvenile Court directly to check the status of your motions. Here are their contact details:

Rapides Parish Juvenile Court, Division D, District *


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Murray Street, Alexandria, LA *
Website: www.rapidesclerk.org
And what do I say exactly? Or Emergency motions to enforced custody supposed to be a quick ordeal
When contacting the court, explain that you've filed several motions and haven't received any updates. Ask for the status of your filings. Remember, while emergency motions are designed for urgent situations, response times can vary due to court backlog or other factors.
How would I get my case change from juvenile court to family court and what are the pros and cons?
To transfer a case from juvenile court to family court in Louisiana, you need to file a motion in your current court, explaining why the transfer is necessary. However, it's important to consider the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Family court is more accustomed to dealing with custody issues.
- Family court might offer more legal protections for parents.
Cons:
- The process can be lengthy.
- The family court may not be as familiar with child welfare issues.
It's best to consult a lawyer for advice.
Can you explain what you mean “protections for parents “and “child welfare issues”
"Protections for parents" refers to the rights and safeguards in place to ensure fair treatment of parents in family court proceedings, such as due process, right to counsel, and confidentiality.
"Child welfare issues" refer to matters concerning the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, potentially involving neglect or abuse.
Well we’ve already been to court once in juvenile court, and considering that the lawyer that I hired whenever we had a case with DCFS, didn’t object when the state rested, the judgment or the order that is in place now has a bunch of false allegations in it such as me being in the same house as my son’s father Whenever my son was diagnosed as failure to thrive and malnourished, when in fact, I lived in Natchitoches Parish, and just received paperwork, which I still possess, from DCFS stating that they had investigated me for three months and found no suspicion, or evidence of abuse or neglect and therefore it was non-invalid and non-justified just a day before I got put on the same case in Rapids parish as my son‘s father, which at the time I didn’t know about him saying that I resided in the same home as him, and with me, even knowing the juvenile judge personally it’s still held up in court, as if I was in that home, at the least, aiding the starvation of my son during the 46 days that I had zero contact with my son, because his father was keeping him from me, for no reason whatsoever, while he lives in Rapids, Paris and his mom and I lived in Natchitoches Parish with my parents
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It seems you might need to challenge the allegations in the court order. You could consider filing a motion to amend or review the order, presenting the evidence you have. It would be best to consult a lawyer to guide you through this process.
Considering that my son was in states care for five months and all of my siblings and my parents and my best friend who is now my husband, who are all competent, went up to DCFS and took all the test so that they could get my son and have him worked this case that I had no business working, and rapids parish, stood right there and told the judge that they did a homestudy on my parents home and Natchitoches, when in fact I contacted Natchitoches DCFS and the lady knew me by name and she told me that Rapids Parish had never put in paperwork to Natchitoches, and she would know because she’s a supervisor, in the judgment, even states that judge us who is the judge of Natchitoches Parish gave custody of my son to his father, which, in fact she could not do because we were in the judges chambers, and she told me and my son‘s father that she could not do that because not only Did I not have a lawyer present, we were in a different parish and in fact the case fell under division D district *, so you can see all the false allegations and schemes that were going on makes me very hesitant to contact anybody, but my son is still going in and out of his diagnosis of being malnourished , although last year whenever me and my husband were in contempt for keeping him after having him in our home for * */* weeks, he came out of his diagnosis which he had maintained having for * */2 years straight, it seems like nobody wants to listen to my story and my son is Having to pay for everybody’s lack of competence and compassion and he’s only only five
I'm sorry to hear about this distressing situation. In your case, it may be beneficial to consult with a lawyer specializing in family and child welfare law. They can assist you in presenting your case effectively, challenging false allegations, and navigating the complexities of the legal system.
is there anybody else that I you might be able to give me references on who can help to sort out the situation to get my son in a stable, healthy clean, happy environment, where he’s thriving and where he wants to be because he’s called my voicemail at the age of five said I’m just trying to get back to Axal‘s house, that’s what he calls me and my husband’s home
It's clear that you're going through a tough time and want the best for your son. A Child Welfare Advocate could be a good resource. They can provide support and help navigate the system. In Rapides Parish, you might contact the Children's Advocacy Network. Would you like their contact information?
Yes I would love it and any other resources or anybody else that you think that could come and maybe assess the situation
Certainly, here are the details for the Children's Advocacy Network in Rapides Parish:

Children's Advocacy Network~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.childrensadvocacy.net


Another organization that could potentially help is the Louisiana Children's Law Center. Would you like their contact information as well?
Yes please
Great, here are their details:
~Louisiana Center for Children's Rights~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.laccr.org
They specialize in juvenile justice, but they may be able to provide guidance or refer you to someone who can assist further.
What do I say to these organizations?
When contacting these organizations, explain your situation thoroughly, including any legal proceedings and concerns about your son's welfare. Request for guidance, resources, or referrals to professionals who can assist you further.
it is my son that deserves the justice. he spent five months in the states care for no reason and now he hast to go week to week from his father‘s house to mine and he’s constantly getting sick and I mean with diarrhea for days and they don’t even get him over-the-counter medication back with styes full of pus on his eyes, and his fingers are full of pus always has bug bites Covering his body… He has never once maintained his weight, the weight that he acquires whenever he’s here in my home he’s never once kept it on much less has he ever gained, in the past * */2 years while in the care of his father he’s lost every ounce that we managed to put on him
I'm really sorry to hear about your son's situation. It's important to document these concerns about his health and share them with the organizations I mentioned. They might be able to assist with legal advice or direct you to appropriate medical and social services.
Are there any pro bono attorneys for children or do you think that Casa would be able to help in anyway?
Yes, there are pro bono attorneys for children. You can contact the Louisiana Center for Children's Rights. CASA can also provide assistance. They advocate for children's best interests in court.
~Louisiana Center for Children's Rights~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.laccr.org
~Capital Area CASA Association~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.casabr.org

so now that you know more of the details, would you think that I would need to go to the DAs office and consider pressing criminal charges?
Based on what you've shared, pressing criminal charges could be an option to consider if you believe your child's health and safety are being compromised. Contacting the District Attorney's Office in your parish could provide more specific guidance. Legal consultation would be wise.
What kind of legal consultation would I hire for this?
You would likely need a family law attorney who specializes in child welfare cases. They can guide you through the process of filing for custody changes, contesting allegations, and potentially pressing charges.
Why wouldn’t I need a juvenile attorney?
A juvenile attorney is a good choice when dealing with cases directly involving juvenile law, such as crimes committed by minors. However, in your situation, which involves child custody and welfare, a family law attorney with a specialty in child welfare may be more equipped to handle your case.
is there anyway that I could get a restraining order where my son’s name was on it with mine against the father or just my sons name against the father
In Louisiana, you can apply for a Protective Order if you fear for your or your son's safety. A Protective Order can include children and is issued by a Family Court. Consult with a legal professional for guidance.
What would include “safety”
"Safety" in this context typically refers to protection from physical harm, emotional abuse, threats, harassment, or any other behavior that can negatively impact a person's well-being. It can also include protection from potential future harm.
so whenever I go in and talk to the lady that writes up the restraining orders, what do I tell her I need to make an appointment? What if there’s already a custody order in place?
When you go to apply for a restraining order, you can explain your situation and ask to file a protective order. If there's a custody order in place, the restraining order can still be filed but it may complicate matters. It's advisable to consult with a lawyer.
Well there’s a new lawyer
I understand you have a new lawyer. Are you looking for advice on how to communicate your situation to them, or do you need assistance with something else?
no that was a mistake. I didn’t mean to write that. I’m sorry there’s a new judge on the bench, since the judgment was written, and my son has been doing this for long enough.
It seems like you're considering bringing your case before the new judge. Are you seeking advice on how to approach this change, or is there another specific question you have about your situation?
no you’re correct you’re exactly correct
In this case, it's crucial to prepare a comprehensive and clear presentation of your case for the new judge. Include all relevant facts, evidence, and your concerns about your son's welfare. Consulting with your lawyer can ensure your case is presented effectively.
I have an attorney he’s not even returning our phone calls
I'm sorry to hear that. You may want to consider finding a new attorney who is more responsive. It's important to have legal representation that communicates effectively and is committed to your case. You have the right to switch attorneys if you're unsatisfied with your current one.
What if I just paid my current one $*
If you've recently paid your attorney and are dissatisfied with their services, you might be able to recover some of the fee depending on the terms of the agreement. Discussing your concerns directly with the attorney may also help. It's important to get legal representation that meets your needs.
How do I go about finding Laywers at specialize in complex custody cases and go about representing their clients successfully?
To find lawyers specializing in complex custody cases, consider these steps:
*. Online search: Use keywords like "family law attorney" and your location.
*. Bar Association: Contact your local or state Bar Association for a referral.
*. Reviews and References: Check online reviews or ask for references from previous clients.
*. Consultation: Schedule a consultation to assess their expertise and approach.
Remember, it's essential to feel comfortable with your lawyer's approach and communication style.
Are there any resources or firms that specialize in justifying court for free?
Yes, there are organizations offering free legal assistance. In Louisiana, you may consider:
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS): They provide free legal aid to low-income individuals.
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC): They offer free legal help to the poor in civil cases.
Remember, availability may vary based on demand and case specifics.
What about physicians, or mandatory reporters that will get on the stand to testify on behalf of my son, for free
In some cases, physicians or mandatory reporters may be willing to testify. However, this depends on their personal discretion and professional obligations. It's advisable to discuss this with your attorney, who can guide you on how to request their testimony.
Are there organizations, resources, or ways of finding specialist that will do this type of thing for free
Yes, some organizations may provide such services. Within Louisiana, consider the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund, which works with child abuse prevention programs, and the Children's Advocacy Centers of Louisiana, which supports child abuse victims and their families. They may be able to refer you to relevant specialists.
Can you give me the number please?
Sure, here are their contact details:
~Louisiana Children's Trust Fund
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lctf.org

~Children's Advocacy Centers of Louisiana
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.caclouisiana.org
Are there any types of financial resources for people in our situation?
Yes, depending on your specific needs, there may be financial resources available. Could you please specify the type of financial assistance you're seeking? For example, is it for legal fees, housing, or child care expenses etc?
Legal fees, housing, utilities & every day expenses
There are several resources in Louisiana that may help with legal fees, housing, utilities, and everyday expenses. Would you like information on these resources and their contact details?
Yes please
Here are some resources that might be helpful:
- Legal fees: The Louisiana Civil Legal Justice Center might be able to assist with legal aid.
- Housing: The Louisiana Housing Corporation provides assistance with affordable housing.
- Utilities: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Louisiana helps with energy bills.
- Everyday expenses: The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services offers various assistance programs.
Would you like their contact details?
Yes and more resources and contact details that you have
Sure, here are their contact details:
~Louisiana Civil Legal Justice Center
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.laciviljustice.org
~Louisiana Housing Corporation
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lhc.la.gov
~LIHEAP Louisiana
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.lhc.la.gov/liheap
~Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
Phone: *-*-LAHELP-U (*-*-*-*)
Website: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov
For additional aid, you may also consider:
~Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Louisiana
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/snap
~Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.ccano.org
These organizations provide a range of services that may help with your current situation.
What if in the judgment states that we’re supposed to be rotating benefits and years we files taxes yet the father won’t drop my son from his food stamp case, nor his WIC
If the father is not complying with the judgment, you can file a motion for contempt in court. This could force him to adhere to the agreement. You may also need to inform the relevant benefit agencies. Consulting with a legal professional can provide specific guidance.
is there anyway that I can get my case changed from Rapids parish to a different parish
To change the jurisdiction of a case, you may need to file a motion for change of venue. However, you must demonstrate valid reasons, like the convenience of witnesses or impartiality of the court. Consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
What would make impartiality of the court valid
Impartiality of the court could be valid if there's a reasonable concern that the court may favor one party over another due to bias, prejudice, or personal interest. It could also apply if there's a belief that a fair trial can't be conducted in the current jurisdiction.
And let’s say that that motion was granted would my attorney get to pick what the case was tried
If your motion for a change of venue is granted, the court will typically decide which jurisdiction the case will be transferred to, based on factors like the location of parties involved, the location of witnesses, or the location of the evidence. Your attorney can make a suggestion, but the final decision rests with the court.
And in my motions can I include things that happen before the last judgment
Yes, you can include events that occurred prior to the last judgment in your motions. These could provide context or support your argument. However, it's advisable to discuss this with your attorney to ensure it's presented in a way that benefits your case.
There’s so much that has gone on over the past two years. I don’t know how to pick what is the most pertinent and how to go about organizing all of the evidence that we have.
When organizing evidence, consider these steps:
- Chronological order: Organize events as they happened.
- Relevance: Prioritize evidence that directly impacts your case.
- Documentation: Keep copies of all documents, emails, texts, etc.
- Notes: Write detailed notes about each piece of evidence.
Your attorney can provide more guidance on this.
my attorney will not answer
I'm sorry to hear about your attorney. It may be time to consider finding a new one who is more responsive. You can contact the Louisiana State Bar Association for a referral. Remember, it's important to have representation that communicates effectively.
what’s the worst thing that can happen if I was to go against the court order and keep my son not return him on the specified day, what type of incident or what type of evidence would I need in order to make my actions justifiable
Violating a court order can result in legal consequences, including being held in contempt of court. To justify keeping your son beyond the specified day, you'd likely need evidence of imminent harm or danger. However, it's crucial to consult with a legal professional before taking such actions.
What type of evidence would include imminent harm or danger
Evidence of imminent harm or danger could include but is not limited to:
- Medical reports or photographs showing physical injuries.
- Records of threatening messages or behaviors.
- Testimonies from reliable witnesses.
- Any documented incidents of past abuse or violence.

Remember, it's essential to consult with a legal professional before taking any action.
Can you be more specific?
Sure, evidence of imminent harm or danger could include:
- Medical records indicating malnutrition or other health issues related to neglect.
- Photos of poor living conditions or physical injuries.
- Witness testimonies describing incidents of abuse or neglect.
- Police reports or records of intervention by child protective services.
Remember, each situation is unique and it's important to consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
What about him not picking up prescriptions for my son, not bringing him to the doctor to be seen for over a year, allowing his Medicaid insurance to lapse, me, and my husband have to pick up private insurance and also making me and my husband have to renew his Medicaid, more than one time, I have my son on recording calling saying I’m hungry, me having a chart for the span of over * */2 years his weight and it showing that he hasn’t gained a single ounce, video evidence of my son being so fatigued, and nourish that whenever I picked him up, he was so lethargic he could barely talk and once I got him to finally start to drink and eat, he was shoving food in his mouth big bites that remainder of the food was falling to the ground, on video I had to take him to the emergency room two weekends in a row and his blood work showed that he was completely dehydrated and he hadn’t had anything in the system for * hours. I had text messages of the father saying that kids can get hungry , and when my son cane out of his failure to thrive diagnosis, his father stated he didn’t even know he had that diagnosis, I also have the father on recording talking about how the doctors diagnosis of my son being malnourished and failure to thrive or just a bunch of words and that meant nothing to him that my son was perfectly fine
These are serious allegations of neglect. Evidence such as medical records, your son's recorded statements, and communications with his father can likely support your case. However, it's critical to consult with a legal professional or child welfare agency to ensure proper procedures are followed and your son's best interests are served.
OK you can see I have a lot going on so can you please give me the numbers of who I need to contact one more time?
Of course, here are the contact details of organizations that might be able to assist:
~Louisiana Civil Legal Justice Center~
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.laciviljustice.org

~Louisiana Housing Corporation~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lhc.la.gov

~LIHEAP Louisiana~
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.lhc.la.gov/liheap

~Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services~
Phone: *-*-LAHELP-U (*-*-*-*)
Website: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov

~Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Louisiana~
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/snap

~Catholic Charities
and?
I'm sorry for the incomplete message. Here are the remaining details:
~Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.ccano.org

In addition, for child advocacy:
~Children's Advocacy Network~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.childrensadvocacy.net

~Louisiana Center for Children's Rights~
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.laccr.org
Remember, it's critical to consult with a legal professional.
Would you suggest speaking with the juvenile detective with this anyway help?
Speaking with a juvenile detective could possibly help, especially if you suspect your son is being neglected or abused. They can investigate allegations and may be able to provide additional resources. However, always consult with a legal professional before taking such steps.
How do I get an ad litem?
To request a guardian ad litem in Louisiana, you would typically file a motion in your ongoing court case. The decision is at the judge's discretion. It might be helpful to consult with a legal professional to guide you through this process.
would a petition of any kind work
A petition can be a useful tool in certain situations. However, whether a petition would be helpful depends on the specifics of your case. It's always best to consult with a legal professional who can provide advice based on your actual circumstances.
The specifics that you do know about my case what tools would you recommend?
Based on your situation, here are few general recommendations:
- Consult with a new attorney if your current one is not responsive.
- Contact child advocacy organizations for support.
- Document evidence of neglect or abuse.
- Consider filing a motion for contempt if court orders are not being followed.
- Contact a juvenile detective if you suspect abuse or neglect.
- Consult with a legal professional about filing a motion for a guardian ad litem.
Remember, each case is unique and these are general suggestions. Consulting with a legal professional is important.

Related Chats

Child Custody Legal Guidance

Custody Dispute Legal Options

Child Custody Legal Battle

Plaintiffs Educational Decision Rights

Child Custody Legal Guidelines

< < Go Back