any lawyers here

[Larissa]

I know. I've been there with clients and with friends... you just know they're making a mistake, you just know that innocent people, especially kids, will be the ones to bear the brunt of it, and there's not much you can do. It sucks.

Unfortunately, if you wanted to go that route, you wouldn't even have grounds to take custody away from your "little sister." She's irresponsible, immature, and unworldly, but not bad enough to be unfit.

The best you can do is be there when things fall apart. Be there for the mom, help her find free or cheap legal representation if and when she needs it (county legal services offices or local law schools are a good source), and be there for your "nephew." Make sure he's got your cell number and can reach you if he needs you. Go visit as much as you can.

 

[duke62]

thanks larissa.but thanks to my short temper i inherited from my father i cant see the guy she will be going with.i may want to do something that i will regret.thank you very much for your time.you have been a great help.maybe i can tell her soem of the things you told me and it will scare her off.

 

[Larissa]

Tell her ALL of the things I said, and I hope it does scare the bejeesus out of her. That'd be the best thing for her. If not, do what you can.

I get the temper thing; I'd be tempted to flatten the guy myself, though I'm good at maintaining restraint. Just know you're a lot more beneficial to her and her son (1) alive and (2) NOT incarcerated than you could ever possibly be dead or in jail. That should motivate you to stay out of trouble.

 

[duke62]

haha..well you got me to laugh.thats the first time since i heard the news.if you are ever in LI i have a frag for ya..

 

[Larissa]

Just glad to try & help. If you need anything in the future, let me know. If she needs legal help up here, I went to Brooklyn Law School - I can put you/her in touch with the school's clinics for free representation.

If it's Florida, I'll find out who to contact down there.

I've still got my fingers crossed that she hears what I've said and makes a smarter decision. Go figures, 15 years as a lawyer & still an optimist.