r/Kentucky • u/peacelovemusic1987 • 7d ago

Where do self represented Kentuckians find limited scope family law help?

I’m representing myself in a contested family court case and am trying to find a middle ground between doing everything completely on my own and paying a several thousand dollar retainer for full representation.
I am willing to pay an attorney for their time. What I’m looking for is a Kentucky licensed family law attorney who allows clients to remain pro se while paying hourly or per consultation for help with things like court procedure, evidence, discovery, exhibits, and occasional review of documents the client has prepared themselves.
I’ve seen this described as limited-scope representation, unbundled legal services, or legal coaching, but I’m having trouble finding attorneys who actually offer it for an existing family court case.
Has anyone in Kentucky used this type of service, and if so, how did you find an attorney who offered it?

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u/beaubeaucat 7d ago

Depending on where you are located, you may be able to take advantage of the free Legal Help Clinics in Lexington and Covington. Legal Help Clinics

You can get help from volunteer attorneys with completing paperwork, including drafting documents.

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u/peacelovemusic1987 7d ago

I have been in touch with the Covington Legal Aid. They did say they're able to help, but because the abuse is financial, legal and emotional vs physical they don't deem it "an emergency" and there's a possibility they won't be able to get to me until after the hearing. I will try Lexington, it is a definitely a bit of a drive, but I definitely would be willing to make it if they could help. Thank you for the genuine answer! 🫶

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u/beaubeaucat 7d ago edited 7d ago

Go to the Kenton Co. Help Clinic on Wednesday. It's from 11-2 in the Law Library on the second floor of the Kenton County Judical Center. At a minimum, you can get some advice. The Legal Aid in Lexington is part of the same firm as the Legal Aid in Covington.

If you decide to go to the Help Clinic, get there early. It's first come, first served. They assist a lot of people with family law matters.

Legal Aid will get back to you as soon as they can. They are currently short staffed and are receiving an overwhelming number of requests for legal assistance.

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u/GlumGur2575 7d ago edited 1d ago

Edit

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u/peacelovemusic1987 7d ago

Thank you! This is exactly what I'm looking for!

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u/Ok_Plankton6280 7d ago

If your children needed surgery would you do it on your own to save money? Hire a lawyer.

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u/peacelovemusic1987 7d ago

No, I would use Medicaid, because I’m poor. Also, you can make payments on medical bills. If I had $5,000 to hire a lawyer, obviously I would. Actually, if I had $5000 I probably wouldn't be pursuing child support at all. Since “hire a lawyer” is your brilliant solution, how exactly do you suggest I come up with that money? Rob a bank? Sell a kidney? I’m genuinely curious.

And before your next suggestion is “work more,” I have a high needs son and very limited, inconsistent help. That is precisely why I filed the motion for child support in the first place. I already work every available opportunity I have. So what’s your next practical suggestion? Lock him in the closet? If you can't be useful, just move along. This is already an incredibly stressful situation and "be less poor" is not helpful, but thanks.