Are there forms on the web to file motions without a lawyer?

Question: I am divorced and our final judgement was Nov. 1st of 2004. Our original arraignment of parenting time and the support agreed upon is now not working. I have joint legal and joint physical custody of our children but not equal parenting time as far as overnights. I know I have to petition the court for it to be heard and possibly modified and I know a laywer has to file it but I would like to do all the paperwork myself because of my financial situation I just don't have the means to pay a laywer for all of these services. Is there a form or a website that would walk me through it. Please help. I live in St. Joseph county, Michigan.

Answer: I do not know of any websites that will explain the procedure for filing a modification of custody. I have heard that there are computer programs that are available at places like Staples that deal with divorce petitions. I can not attest to the quality of these programs. I would start by speaking with the court clerk in your county. It is possible that the State or County has forms available.

I cannot speak specifically to the laws of the State of Michigan. However, you would generally need a significant change since the divorce to justify to a court that the custody arrangement needs to be modified so quickly after the divorce. I suggest that you meet with an attorney to discuss the viability of a court entering a modification less than six months after the divorce.

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