Ask a family law attorney to work with you at a reduced cost. 

• Ask about the possibility of a payment plan, reduced fee, or sliding fee scale. 

• Ask whether they will provide unbundled legal services (also known as limited representation). In unbundled legal services, you keep costs lower by doing some of the legal work and research yourself. For example, you could complete all the documents to file the custody case but have the lawyer review them to make sure they are complete. Or you could have the lawyer complete all the documents and you go to court on your own. Or you could hire the lawyer to represent you only at the court hearing. 

Mediation

Consider mediation rather than legal action to try to reach an agreement with the child’s parents without the expense of a custody or adoption trial. Some courts will require mediation before they will schedule a trial. Many counties have free or reduced-cost mediation services.  Before mediation, talk with a family law attorney to better understand your rights. 

“Pro Se” (Represent Yourself)

Representing yourself (“pro se”) is possible, but this is not recommended when the child’s parents disagree with what you want to do.  

• You can find pro se forms at NC Judicial Branch and at LawHelpNC.org.
• Some counties have “help desks” at family court where volunteer attorneys or local legal aid services offer limited assistance.  
• If there is a kinship support organization in your area, they may be able to help you find a volunteer attorney. 

Legal Aid Services

Free or low-cost legal aid services and clinics are available throughout North Carolina. You can check out the list below or use the map.