My niece has been requested to attned court in relation to custody rights by the father of her daughter. Just wondering does she need representation? She has no problem with him having access He has not been consistent in his visitation days which were verbally agreed so this will formalise it. I think she is entitled to free legal aid but unfortunately it is Thursday week 11th (her grandfather had been ill and passed away so we didnt act on this earlier). The question really is does she need legal representation there or can anyone assist her? She would like him to contribute to her daughter's welfare too as currently he doesn't.
What i would advise is that she contact the legal aid board and seek legal aid ( this will be subject to her Means. She can then apply to have the matter adjourned on the 11th on the basis that she is waiting on legal aid. There is generally no difficulty with this. The solicitor can arrange for her to make an application for maintenance and both matters will be dealt with on the same dayThe below web site will give you information in relation to your local legal aid officehttp://www.legalaidboard.ie/lab/publishing.nsf/Content/Law_CentresRonan40335.8327933218