I am in desperate need of an attorney to help me file for full custody for my two daughters but I cannot afford the upfront $500-$700 fee that they all want to start the case. They are in a horrid situation and their mother hs even been reported to SS and want take them to school on a regular basis. Does anyone know how I can find a lawyer near my city and state (Rocky Mount, NC) that will let me make payments or something like that? Please dont think that I cannot afford to take care of my daughters because I can and it will be even easier when the $700 a month child support payments (that support her drug and alcohol habit) would end. If I go get the paperwork for a change of custody (or whatever its called) and file it myself, I still have to go through the mandatory family mediation and then go to court. So, this would give me time to save for a lawyer. But how do I do this? Where do I get the paperwork? Do I stand a chance if she comes to mediation with a lawer even if he's inexperienced and cheap when I dont have one at all? I hate going forth without a lawyer but this may be my only option.