Any cheap/free legal option for contempt case (Georgia)?
I am being required to show up for a contempt hearing in about two weeks in a neighboring county, stemming from a disputed TANF case with the State of Georgia; I have had custody of my daughter for 2 years, but they are on the verge of putting me in jail to pay back TANF the mother drew while in her custody (I was paying child support at the time directly to the mother, but do NOT have receipts, yes, stupidity incarnate, I’m aware of this by now, and do not need to be reminded of it). I don’t need advice on this case; I need to know is there ANY cheap or free legal option to have representation? I was told by the Court Clerk’s Office that I do not have a right to a public defender in a contempt case, Legal Aid said they do not do Child Support cases, and all "free" attorneys I’ve found locally help only the homeless. I am expected to show up with a fairly large amount of $ at court, I cannot afford attorney fees on top cheap online pharmacy of this. Any suggestions?
Added: this is a "rule nisi" hearing.
I went through a similar situation, although interstate, a few years back and may be some help. By private agreement I had taken my children and they were with me for 2 years but, as part of that agreement, I had stopped paying the child support. She filed in the other state. I contacted the local office of Children’s Services (I don’t remember exactly who) and had a guardian ad litem appointed. She determined that the children residing with me was best for them, testified in court that if I had to pay the back child support it would harm the children and that I had been supporting them as I contended to the ADA (who would not listen to me). The judge dismissed the case and I never had to pay more. Perhaps this approach could help you. The man is always guilty until he proves himself innocent in these cases as you are discovering. Good luck.
there is usually a free legal clinic held weekly in most cities, i would suggest contacting your local city hall for info!!!!!now they wont show up to represent you but they can answer any questions that you have so that you can be well informed when you address the court
Tell the court that you are in the process of finding legal repersentation and need a continuation until you can do so. After that keep looking. If the continuance doesn’t work, tell them you do not wave your right to an attorney and that refusing to grant a continucance infringes upon your rights. Ask for a month to find legal aid.