When Family Court Gets Complicated

In family law, people's cases are rarely straightforward. A person and their attorneys often must address multiple areas of crisis at the same time. And sometimes, layers of complexity demand not just legal expertise, but comprehensive support services. 

This is the story of one woman's journey through a challenging family court battle involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues - and how a civil legal aid attorney helped her escape this tangled web.

The Initial Challenges

"Sarah" (name changed for privacy) found herself caught in an intricate web of legal issues involving two former partners. After ending her relationship with the father of her three-year-old son, she initially represented herself in a paternity case that resulted in a 50/50 shared placement arrangement. However, her situation became more complicated when her next partner, who fathered her second child, exhibited violent behavior fueled by cocaine addiction.

When Custody Becomes a Crisis

The situation escalated when the first father stopped bringing their child to spend time with Sarah. He was concerned about the second partner's unpredictable behavior. 

Despite the second partner being placed in court-ordered rehabilitation and subsequently serving jail time, Sarah's pleas to resume visitation with her three-year-old went unheeded. To make matters worse, the first father began showing signs of mental illness and suspected drug use. He started sending Sarah a slew of alarming texts at all hours, exhibiting paranoia and disconnection from reality. Sarah tried to involve Child Protective Services and law enforcement, but was repeatedly told it was a family court matter.

Six months went by without Sarah seeing her son. 

Enter Civil Legal Aid

Finding her way out of this crisis might have been impossible, if she hadn't reached out to CASDA (Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse) in Superior, Wisconsin. CASDA and an attorney on staff, Cindy Sweetnam, offered civil legal aid: professional legal advice and representation, free of charge, to someone who has can't pay for a lawyer. 

Over the years, Cindy has found that civil legal aid is a form of poverty law. It can be a game changer in helping people take charge of their own lives and build a better future. She quickly took action to help Sarah, by:

1. Successfully filing for an immediate temporary order for child exchanges, so Sarah could she her son

2. Securing the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to address concerns about the father's mental health and drug use

3. Providing ongoing support as the situation evolved

Crisis and Resolution

Sarah's life took a dramatic turn when the first father, experiencing a mental health crisis, broke into Sarah's home at 4:00 a.m. and took two of her children through a window. Thanks to the groundwork laid by her legal aid attorney, Sarah knew exactly what steps to take. Law enforcement intervened, multiple felony charges were filed, and the GAL fully supported Sarah's position in family court.

The Role of Comprehensive Support

In Sarah's case, the civil legal aid organization did more than provide low-cost attorney services. CASDA also:

• Helped cover GAL fees

• Assisted with vehicle repairs when child support wasn't being paid

• Provided safety planning during critical periods

Looking Forward

Today, Sarah has primary placement of her children, and there are clear, court-ordered requirements in place before the father can resume supervised visits with their son. (The requirements include a medical therapist's written recommendation and proof of the father's abstinence from harmful drugs.)

While the journey has been challenging, the involvement of civil legal aid provided Sarah with the support and resources to ensure her children's safety and well-being. The hope remains that with proper mental health treatment and sobriety, the father can eventually have a healthy relationship with his child.

The Power of Civil Legal Aid in Family Law

Sarah's story exemplifies why civil legal aid is an essential component of our system. People facing complex legal challenges, including in family law, need both expert legal representation and comprehensive support to navigate difficult situations and achieve just outcomes.