Rodrick Law Offices

Mr. S. an ex-con, sought representation after receiving a civil TRO (temporary restraining order) and kick-out order in a non-marital relationship. He requested 50/50 custody with his young son. His initial request was denied by the court due to domestic violence. California law states that a person who commits an act of domestic violence may not be awarded joint custody (it is rebuttable, however) The fact that he was an ex-con on parole did not assist with the representation. Mr. S. simply failed to pay his outstanding bill of approximately $1,000 and, thus, a Substitution of Attorney was affected. He was sued for this amount and appeared in Small Claims court with no defense to the suit (nor any complaints regarding the representation), and was given a $100 per month payment plan (which he paid). I will add that Mr. S.’s suits were far more pressed than mine, as it appeared that he was paying his dry cleaner regularly.