Legal Aid

[Bradleah]

Hello and thank you for offering advice.  You are a rarity and a much appreciated one!

I'm learning German law / lawyers are DRASTICALLY different than in the USA.  To the extent that what was supposed to be a 3.000,00 euro retainer turned into an 8.000,00 invoice - some of which was for "services" rendered(Email correspondence) before I even signed agreements to retain services!  

This isn't the issue though - the issue is now I am completely drained - to the point where I can't even afford to go to German to visit my child... the whole purpose of finding a lawyer was to get this right enforced, and now the cost of getting it enforced has made it so I can't even go!

I have heard that German lawyers are beginning to take on pro-bono work, or at least accept a form of legal aid.

Is it even possible for an American who is wrapped up in a German custody battle to receive assistance from the German OR US governments?

I do believe I know the answer(which is no) but can you offer any suggestions on where to look for help in paying legal fees?

[Hrocby]

Hello,

I hope you haven't paid the invoice yet. It sounds like a tremendously outrageous amount and depending on what agreement you signed, your previous lawyer might not be entitled to all or indeed any of this payment.

Germany does have legal aid for court cases in Germany. You do not need to be a German citizen or live in Germany in order to qualify. The court will only look at your financial situation and whether your case is frivolous(in which case legal aid would be denied).

Andreas Moser

www.moser-law.com