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Fieldthistle 14 years, 1 month ago.
Good luck. I had as sister with Down’s Syndrome, and I believe my parents found advice through the Ameican Association for Retarded Adults (not sure the exact name). I am sure there is a national group (or local chapter) for autism that may have advice on how to do this on your own, if you haven’t already contatced them.
You need a lawyer that advocates for children with disabilities, that represents them and their families in special education matters.
Please research for this type of lawyer in your state, try the reputable Autism websites for further information and guidance.
Hello All,
Thanks to all who have written thus far.
Discovered in Virginia, we must must have a lawyer and
the court will also appoint a lawyer for my son, which
will probably be paid in my court costs. My son will
also be evaluated by experts and our house visited and
judged worthy or whatever by court appointed representatives.
I talked to a gentleman who often represents the young adults
who is appointed by the courts and he said the average costs
for the parents are between $2000 to $3000.
On one hand it bites me that I have to do this, but on the
other hand it is good that the courts are looking out for
disabled people’s welfare.
If I don’t do this, the state would literally take my son
out of my household and place him in an instituion. That
is not going to happen. So I will jump through their hoops
and pay whatever I have to.
He is worth every penny I have to pay.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle
Just stay away from the firm Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe. I know a few guys, brothers actually, that went there and it didn’t work out for them. Chow Jim
FT – Yes I do believe you could do it yourself. Or simply have an attorney write up the peition which is pretty straight forword, fill in the blanks. After you are appointed all that is required is an annual accounting, which is another fill in the blanks document you can get from the Court
[:)]
TO MUCH!!!!!
Seriously? About $175 per hour
Da Judge
Hello All,
Thanks for the advice. I will check into doing it myself.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle
quote:
Originally posted by Adjudicator
Research the issue & do it yourself.
Fieldthistle,
I have to say I agree with Adjudicator.
I have a degree in Legal Assisting, and it is possible to do it yourself.
You may be able to find what you need on-line.
Do you need a lawyer to have your voice heard in court? I think not.
I do believe that you can ask to be a "guardian ad litem" for your son, but I’m not sure about Virginia’s specific laws.
Here is a start~
http://www.expertlaw.com/library/estate_planning/guardianship.html
There has to be a way that you can ask the "court" to make you, or someone, the legal guardian of your son, without the {$$$} help of a lawyer.
I wish you the best. If you need more info, I will try to help.
{edit ~ a guardian ad litem is usually a person who is not a relative, but impartial person, who makes an impartial decision about what is best for said person. A guardian ad litem can be appointed by the court, without an attorney.}
225/hr is absurd for something uncontested. It should be a flat fee.
Research the issue & do it yourself.
Being on the board of directors of our local Lions club, we recently needed the services of a lawyer to help straighten out some incorpoartion issues. The lowest in our area was $205/ hour, we got lucky and the town’s attorney offered to help us at $150/hr. For a non profit organization yikes!!
Keep your chin up my friend, things will work out.
Since it is an uncontested case, you might want to see if one will take a flat fee rather than hourly.
Hello All,
V960, it is so good to hear your voice again.
I like your advice. My area once was sweet enough that a ham (backdoor) helped, but
now only money talks. We no longer have "old souls" in the professions of lawyers,
doctors, dentists, or other professional services that accept "like in kind" payments
in my town and county. They just want money, and usually up-front. Luckily, I found
a lawyer who is willing to establish a payment plan.
I’m just wondering if $225.00 an hour is normal.
Thanks and…
Take Care,
Fieldthistle
Look in your yellow pages for Lawyer’s referral. 30 minutes for 25-35 dollars. 1/2 the time I use them I send a ham (backdoor) and get things done for 1/3 the price.
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