If I have a bench warrant outstanding (child support related), should I appear at my scheduled custody hearing?

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I am between a rock and a hard place. I was found in civil contempt & couldn't meet the payment deadlines imposed by judge C.W. for reimbursement of med insur expenses, so I assume a bench warrant has been issued. I did not attend the review hearing on that matter and now I have another hearing (custody, motion to show cause) in about ten days. I was supposed to have started reunification therapy with my kids but can't afford it (about $5K). I don't have an attorney as three attorneys have already bled me dry. Judge C.W. also seems heavily biased against fathers. Several years ago, my attorney proved my ex was in contempt of the then custody order but judge C.W. let her off, finding her only "technically in contempt." My ex has alienated our children from me and I haven't had visitation for over 3 1/2 years. The current temp custody order only allows me supervised visitation (through the PC) if the children ask for it, despite zero evidence of any abuse. The opposing attorney made the accusation and judge C.W. must have believed him. Given the outstanding warrant, I'm trying to decide if I should show up and whether it would do any good.

Attorney Answer

1
Rebecca Nelson ·
You have found yourself in a situation which is not uncommon. The circumstances have knotted up with you in the middle, and untying the knot seems overwhelming. The worst thing you can do is not show up. You may get arrested for the child support bench warrant, but if incarceration is ordered, you will be entitled to a court-appointed attorney for that matter if the judge is going to put you in jail. Fear often immobilizes our clients. However, your love for your child needs to help you get past that fear. The prior order may need to be modified to provide for contact between you and your child that is not cost prohibitive. The only way to know what is truly possible is to consult with a lawyer.
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