I Need Legal Aid Or A Probono Lawyer In NSW

[echnidna]

My 2 grandsons are under DOCS in NSW and I need to make application for their custody.

I spoke to a lawyer about legal aid and it was stated that the state is nearly broke and legal aid may not be forthcoming. The lawyer I spoke to is not available for the next hearing

These kids have been savagely beaten including with an iron bar on occasion and there is an instance of molestation.

I am not pressing my personal interests all I am concerned with is the kids best interests.

If I cannot get legal aid I will represent myself at Court, so things may get messy. Fortunately I am a good researcher and am capable of preparing sound legal argument.

The next hearing is a section 65 hearing and I need to become party to the proceedings so I am currently preparing affidavit under section 98 which I will fax to the Court in NSW on Monday.

Any suggestions how to proceed or obtain representation are welcomed.
__________________

[Sturdee]

Maybe you should contact Boban. AS a NSW barrister he may be the best qualified member to help you. Good luck Bob.


Peter.

[bsrlee]

As you may have already found out, there should be a pro bono solicitor at all Courts of Petty Sessions, at least in Sydney.

It might be an idea to contact the NSW Law Society & find out if there is a way to get hold of the rostered pro bono solicitor before the 'big day', so you are not both going in blind.

If this is being heard before the Family Law Court, then I have no idea what assistance is available to relatives other than the immediate parents. The 'Shock & Horror' teams for the TV networks would be out of a job if everything was rosy.

Anyhow, good luck & hope everything comes out well for the kids.

[artme]

Good grief Echidna!! What a rotten situation for you and even worse for your Grandchildren.

I have seen this sort of thing time and time again in my profession (teacher) and it NEVER fails to arouse my emotions.

I hope all goes well, especially for the children>

All my best thoughts are with you all.

[tea lady]

Gee! What a terrible situation. :C And being put in a position of maybe not being able to do anythig cos of lack of legal Aid? What is the world coming too? Really makes you wonder if there has been any social progress. :-

All I can do is wish you well. :C

[Cliff Rogers]

It is a grubby business, I don't envy your situation at all Bob, best of luck bloke.

[echnidna]

Thankyou for the well wishes.

Failing all else I will represent myself.
At least I am experienced in research and interpretation and I love to find a curve ball to pitch.

[dazzler]

Hi Bob

I did a lot of family law in my previous life and it seems that easy going straight shooters like yourself have few problems. Magistrates like a nice stable family life for kids.

Here is a link to a good document from the family law court;

http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb42f34b5d3846b/FSAppOrd_0309V1.pdf

If you are alleging violence or child abuse you will also need Form 4 "Notice of child abuse" when you lodge your proceedings.

Best of luck with it all. For your own sanity set your expectations very low and you should avoid a mental breakdown, those courts can be a bit schitzo IMO.

cheers

dazzler

[Gingermick]

Hey Bob, Is the person who assaulted them with an iron bar in gaol, or in hospital?
jeez that's an awful situation. best of luck.
Btw, are DOCS on your side? That should make court proceedings easier.