Custody Granted
AppalReD was contacted by a client to help petition for permanent custody of 4 children who were not
related to her. She was originally asked to take custody of the children on a temporary basis in a
dependency case. When she came to AppalReD she asked for assistance in obtaining permanent custody because
both parents were sentenced to prison terms.
AppalReD filed a petition for permanent custody on her behalf.
The parents, acting pro se, filed answers and defended themselves at trial. The court entered an order
granting our petition and awarded permanent custody to the client. The parents were each ordered to pay child
support and a visitation order was held in abeyance pending release of one or both parents from prison.
Child Custody
AppalRed gives priority to cases where there are children and the client has a feasible case for custody,
where there is an allegation of child abuse and where visitation issues are at stake. Other domestic relations
cases are taken in exceptional circumstances. In cases alleging abuse AppalRed requests that clients obtain
emergency protective orders from the District Court and often refers clients to local abuse shelters.
