 |
|
Family Law |
| JACKSONVILLE
AREA LEGAL AID, INC. - FAMILY LAW UNIT Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.'s Family Law Unit provides representation to indigent clients in cases involving the integrity, safety, and well-being of the family. High priority is given to cases of abuse, child snatching, and threats to the well-being of children. Family law case acceptance is determined on a case by case basis, depending on the particular circumstances and needs of each client, the merit of the case, whether the client meets financial guidelines, and on staff availability. Due to limited resources, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. is unable to provide representation in all cases. However, all persons requesting assistance are seen by a staff person during the initial intake, and all applications are reviewed by an attorney. If it is determined that Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. is unable to provide representation in a family law case, the client will receive advice and referrals to all appropriate legal agencies and resources in the community that can assist the client with his or her particular problem. The different types of cases considered for acceptance are: Adoptions Will be considered on a case by case basis for either in house representation or referral to a pro bono attorney. Custody Consideration is given to meritorious cases where the child(ren) were recently snatched from the client; the client is the custodial parent and has received court papers of someone seeking to get custody (divorce, modifications, paternity); or the client is a relative, has physical custody and needs legal custody in an emergency situation (school enrollment, medical emergency). Non-emergency cases of a relative seeking legal custody may be referred to a Pro Bono attorney. Visitation Generally not accepted unless connected with an existing legal aid case. All clients are given advice and referrals. Divorce Consideration is given to cases in which the client has been served with court papers requesting a divorce and a default has not been entered, and: custody or substantial property is at issue; domestic violence is involved; and/or the client appears unable to represent himself or herself and the spouse is represented. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. will initiate a divorce only if the case is referred to us from a domestic violence shelter, and child custody or marital property is at issue, or on a case by case basis. Cases involving long term marriages with alimony or pension issues may be referred to a Pro Bono attorney. Guardianship/Conservatorship/Power of Attorney - Reviewed on a case by case basis, and may be referred to a Pro Bono attorney. Name Change Reviewed on a case by case basis, and may be referred to a Pro Bono attorney. Parental Rights Termination Generally not accepted due to client's statutory right to a court appointed attorney. All clients are advised and given referrals to appropriate agencies. Paternity Consideration is given to meritorious cases where a child was snatched from the parent with legal custody, or the client has physical custody and was served with Paternity papers requesting custody or a counterpetition where paternity/custody is raised. Generally we do not accept cases solely for purposes of visitation or avoiding support, or if the client is seeking to establish paternity to collect support. Support only cases are generally referred to the Child Support Enforcement Program. Domestic Violence or Repeat Violence Meritorious injunction cases, modification of injunctions, and enforcement of injunctions may be accepted regardless of income if referred by Domestic Abuse Shelter, Invest, or NAVY Victim Services. You do not need to have a referral prior to coming to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. If you are the victim of domestic or repeat violence and want help obtaining, modifying, or enforcing an injunction against the abuser, please contact our office. Support Generally not accepted unless connected with an existing legal aid case. All clients are given advice and referrals. Other Family / Modifications Modifications rarely accepted, unless it involves a modification of custody and meets one of the above criteria. Clients are generally referred to modification clinics at courthouse. Juvenile Cases Accepted on a case by case basis only. Some emancipations may be referred to a Pro Bono attorney if the child seeking emancipation has a source of income, lives with someone other than family, is at least 16 years of age, and is going to school or obtaining a GED. Back to Top |