My friend and her ex-boyfriend got in a fight, he got violent and beat her up pretty bad. She got in the car with their baby and fled cross-country to stay with her parents. There is a hearing next month to determine custody of the child, and she doesn't want to lose the kid to what is likely going to be an abusive father. Lawyer up, right? Problem is, not a lot of money. Can you point me to any organizations in California that provide pro-bono / sliding-scale / low-cost legal aid services for abused women? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jun 28, 2009 - 10 answers

My sister was molested, and the authorities haven't done a thing. Is there anything I can do to move this along? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 31, 2009 - 18 answers

Does anyone here have any experience with nominations for conservatorship in the state of California, either as a potential conservator, an attorney, social worker, psychiatrist or anyone else who plays a role in the process? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 16, 2008 - 2 answers

Is it inappropriate for me to contact my nieces' guardian ad litem? [more inside]
posted by Sara Anne on Dec 1, 2007 - 11 answers

I was in Mexico for three days with my boyfriend when he because physically violent. It was the first time he had ever done so. I have the bruises and cuts from earlier today. Because the incident took place in Mexico, US police say they cannot do anything. Do I have any options at this point? We're both applying to law schools, and the ABA has strict policies against criminal backgrounds. He's a criminal, but I don't know what to do. I can't believe he's getting away with this.
posted by Mister Fyodor on Mar 9, 2007 - 45 answers