Child Custody Legal Challenges

Summary

Janee Marler-Fore is facing a child custody battle with her ex-husband in Mississippi. The couple has been separated for over 3 years and their divorce was dismissed by a judge. Janee lost custody of her child due to failing a drug test but has since attended AA and passed subsequent tests. She is currently seeking legal representation, struggling to find pro bono assistance. She has been advised to move back into her marital home and ask for a continuance until she can secure legal help. Her court date is set for 9-22-2023.

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Child custody
What state are you currently residing in, ****? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding child custody laws.
Mississippi
What is the current custody arrangement and are there any existing court orders in place?

In Mississippi, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child.
Was * hour every sunday until divorce. Judge dismissed divorce on *-*-* now being sued for child custod
Who is suing you for child custody? Is it the other parent or someone else?
Yes husband
What is the basis of your husband's claim for child custody?
Weve been separated and living separately for over 3 years while we were going through the divorce process. He has sued for divorce *, first he resended, * the judge denied.
What are the reasons given by the judge for denying the divorce?
He didnt have grounds
What were the specific grounds your husband cited for the divorce that the judge found insufficient?
Cruel treatment and desertion
What evidence did your husband provide to support his claims of cruel treatment and desertion?
None
What is your current living situation and how is it affecting your child's well-being?
He has had him for over a year, due to myself failing a drug test.
What steps have you taken since failing the drug test to address the issue and improve your situation?
AA, and have provided a hair test every 6 months and had * negative results
What is the age and general wellbeing of your child? This information can be crucial in child custody cases in Mississippi.
He is *, and wants his mother. Ive had him for a week and he will not talk on the 0hone with father, says he is mean.
What steps are you taking to ensure your child's emotional well-being during this time?

In Mississippi, courts consider the emotional ties between the child and each parent during custody decisions.
Just reasureing him we both love him and are trying to figure out how to handle the situation
What kind of legal representation do you currently have for your child custody case?
None
What is the reason for not having legal representation in your child custody case?
I hired a attorney for the divorce and when i got the summons she referred me to legal aid.
What was the reason your attorney referred you to legal aid?
Dont know
What steps have you taken to contact legal aid as suggested by your attorney?
I contacted them. they said i didnt qualify
Why did they say you didn't qualify for legal aid?
I didnt have continuous care for child the last 3 months
I didnt care for the child in the last 3 months
What were the reasons that prevented you from caring for the child in the last 3 months?
My husband had him
What steps are you planning to take to regain custody of your child?
Im trying to get legal help. Court is *-*-*
What evidence do you plan to present in court to support your claim for custody?
I dont have any, i dont know what i need to have..
What steps have you taken to improve your situation since the last drug test, and do you have any documentation to prove this?
Yes ive passed * hair test and i have the papers
What is the name and location of the court where your custody case will be heard?
Copiah county hazelhurst ms
What is the name of your child's father? This will help me provide more accurate information. In Mississippi, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child.

- Copiah County Courthouse, * Caldwell Dr, Hazlehurst, MS *, USA. Phone: +* *-*-*.
David Fore Jr.
What is the current living arrangement of David Fore Jr. and how is it affecting your child's well-being?
He is living in our marital home with our son. Legal aid advised t9 move back hone and ask the judge for a continuous until i can get legal help
What is your plan for housing if you move back into your marital home?
?
What is your plan for housing if you move back into your marital home?
Housing
What is your plan for housing if you are granted custody of your child?
I have been living in a mobile home since he filed for divorce in *
What is the condition of the mobile home and does it provide a safe and stable environment for your child?
Yes
What steps are you taking to ensure the mobile home is a suitable environment for your child?
He had lived here with my child for 2 years
Ive had my child in this mobile home until i failed the drug test
My child has lived with me before
What steps are you taking to ensure a stable and nurturing environment for your child in your current living situation?
?
What kind of support system do you have in place for your child in your current living situation?
Family
My family supports me and im on disability
What is the nature of your disability and how does it affect your ability to care for your child?
Had a heart attack and it doesnt affect
How does your heart condition affect your daily activities and your ability to care for your child?
N9ne
What medication or treatment are you currently receiving for your heart condition?
* different medications and next appointment is in a year
How does your medication affect your ability to care for your child?
It doesn't
What steps are you taking to ensure your medication does not interfere with your ability to care for your child?
I have him now and it hasn't interfered.
What is your plan for ensuring your child's well-being and stability if you regain custody?
Love him and make sure he has everything he needs.
What steps are you taking to ensure your child's emotional well-being during this time?
Reassure him we both love him and we are trying to figure this out.
What steps are you taking to secure legal representation for your upcoming court date?
Been on the phone all dsy trying to find legal help.
What kind of legal help are you seeking? Are you looking for a lawyer to represent you in court or just for legal advice on how to handle your case?
Pro bono and if not legal advice
What steps have you taken to find a pro bono lawyer in your area?
Internet, calling asking friends family
What is the current status of your search for a pro bono lawyer?
Havent had any luck.
What specific challenges are you facing in finding a pro bono lawyer?
There are none
What steps are you planning to take next in your search for a pro bono lawyer?
Continue calling attorneys and see if referrals
What kind of referrals are you hoping to get from the attorneys you're calling?
A pro bono attorney
Have you tried reaching out to local law schools or legal aid societies for pro bono assistance? They often have programs to assist individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
I have only found * and they are the same agencies and no local law schools.
Have you considered reaching out to the Mississippi Bar Association? They may have resources or referrals for pro bono legal assistance.
Ill have to look them up or do you have any information
Yes, you can contact the Mississippi Bar Association at (*) *-* or visit their website at www.msbar.org. They may provide referrals for pro bono legal assistance.
Thank you have to pick my son up from school now. Thanks
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your case.