I don't know if this is a good place to post this, but I need some legal help (Salt Lake City: renting)

[AnnaGrrrrrl]

I am in the process of getting a divorce I have been representing myself (pro-se) in court (since November) and I really messed up this last appearance in front of the judge. I basically agreed to let him have physical custody of the kids. I really don't know why I did this. I was feeling hurried and pressured and everything else I agreed to I don't have a problem with. But this I do. I was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years! And only because his mom was able to pay for a lawyer for him, I am going to have to give up my rights???? I am so upset and I can't stop thinking about it. I want to go back to court and change this. But with this last appearance in front of the judge, it is basically finalized contigent on us doing the divorce/parenting classes. Does anyone have suggestions or help or maybe have dealt with a similar situation? Please, anything would be helpful! I am so worried!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Call Legal Aid and talk to them about it. Also, the UT Bar Assoc has a "first Monday" deal, or at least they used to, where you can just walk in and get some free legal advice. You can call the Bar to ask about it.

[markg91359]

I don't want to sound insulting, but you should have consulted an attorney before now. Consult an attorney before another day goes by. It may not change anything, but at least you can try. I realize finances are a big issue for many people. However, if you can afford a big screen t.v. you can probably afford some type of legal assistance. Which is more important?

[jpinecone]

There are three Legal Aid groups; call all three to see which one can help you: Legal Aid, #801-359-4417; Legal Aid Services, #801-487-6119; and Legal Aid Society, # 801-328-8849.

Being online, I can't look it up now, but there is a group in Salt Lake City to help with things like this (or there used to be) called JEDI (Justice, Equality, Dignity, Independence) for women. You may find them online. They were a great group and could offer help.

Other sources are Community Action Program, phone #801-359-2444, address is 5296 South Commerce Rd., Murray; or Common Ground Divorce Specialists, who do divorce mediation with a free consultation to begin. Phone #802-270-9333. You may also consider Utah Issues -- don't know what they will do, but it's worth a try; they may be able to refer you to help. Their phone # is 801-521-2035, address is 80 South 300 East, SLC. One other place may be Utah Legal Services (who may be able to refer you to a divorce lawyer who can help you for free or reduced price) their # is 801-328-8891, address is 205 North 400 West, SLC.

However, I do know of a really, really good attorney who is tough on getting women what they need and deserve; he helped a friend of mine with 9 children to get their home paid for and great child support, though he is a little more expensive, he would definitely be worth it, and would probably be able to work out payments. His name is Paul Liapis and his phone # is 801-532-6996, and his address is 175 West 200 South, SLC. Be brave and give him a call. All attorneys will give the first !/2 hour consultation free, from what I understand; ask him about this.

And last, there is a great single mother's support group called the Children's Service Society who may offer you advice, but probaly not referrals, but will be a great source of support and aid in your life. My daughter went there for some time. They have many resources for children and moms. Their phone # is 801-355-7444, and their address is 124 South 400 East SLC.

Good luck -- and remember to pray like mad and follow your promptings -- there is Someone who cares about you and wants you to have your children! Have faith! Hang in there and don't allow yourself to get discouraged. You can win.