Want Custody Of My Children

It's a nightmare.
Grew up in a bad home. Married a man that was 19 and I was 16. Had three great children stayed in a horrible marriage for the kids for 17 years. Could no longer take it filed for divorce after my daughter had told me things. Went to the police took my kids to a shelter. Went to court family said my kids would be better off with there dad all because of being threaten by him. And no I had no lawyer. Moved back home stopped divorce since he said he would take a polygraph test, well he refused. So I filed again could not stand being around him so I left and stayed with a friend and visited the kids after I got out of work. Biggest mistake in listening to someone telling me that would be best have my kids with him and visit so they wouldn't hear the arguing until court. Called and told soon to be ex that I was coming back and he could leave and the kids would stay with me. I went back to an empty house did not know where my kids were for about two months. Had a lawyer that told me it would be to much money for me to go to court since my ex borrowed 30,000.00 for his lawyer and I paid 1,500.00. So he said we will just settle and you can go for custody @ another time. Then I find out from my oldest boy that my lawyer was my ex's new wifes lawyer in the past. Four years later not a dime to my name now what. My oldest son got kicked out because of a D in school he now lives with me. I guess I should stop and get answers before I go any further.

What is your question?

What are my chances on getting my children back? Any information where to find help with getting a free lawyer?

Unfortunately, there are so many issues involved in custody considerations that it is impossible to predict who would get custody. Your posting omits relevant details that may affect who and when. Short of a crystal ball, no one could predict such a thing--judges and courtrooms vary.

Also, there is no such thing as a free attorney for most people. While personal injury, wrongful death, etc. are, at times, taken on contingency, attorneys don't do child custody cases that way. People fighting over custody and couples that are divorcing typically have as one of their issues, money. So, most attorneys expect to be paid up front because they would have no recourse against people who do not pay after the case has been settled.

Pick up the phone book and call some attorneys in the yellow pages. Many of them give free or low cost consultations.

Good luck.

Thank you for the information Grace.