What happens when a child is removed from the court's jurisdiction by a parent and there is no custody order?
A local father recently found himself asking this question.
Even with the law on his side, the father could not easily reunite with his child because of costs associated with retaining an attorney, paying filing fees and taking time off from work.
Fortunately, this young father was referred to Susannah Collins, a local family law attorney, who after hearing his story knew she had to help.
Collins said she knew the case would have to be argued in two states under different types of law.
In addition to the many financial obstacles, the father had no guarantee he would be successful.
Collins spent hours researching laws in both states, but knew the case could not be battled by the father alone.
She decided to fly to Texas to help him file the action as a pro se litigant. Collins had no true plan other than to file, shop for a judge, whisper an argument in her client's ear and hope for the best.
An out-of-state attorney stepped in to help. His remarks to the judge after the writ was issued were that in more than 28 years of practice, he had never encountered such remarkable resolve or willingness of an attorney to fly interstate to help a pro bono client.
Because of her many conversations with law enforcement officers while attempting to locate the child, Collins and her client met waiting officers who stood ready for the newly issued writ of attachment.
After hours of searching, the officers converged on a home to retrieve the child. Thanks to Collins' advocacy and all those who assisted her in her pro bono mission, the child is now reunited in Florida with his father.
This story is not just about Collins, who deserves more compensation than she will ever receive.
This is about the legal community in general and its desire to do what is right and protects those who need the help of the courts and our laws.
This is a story about giving to others merely for the sake of giving, with no expectation of return or thanks.
The integrity of our legal system depends on access to justice regardless of ability to pay. Collins' determination and dedication to help her pro bono client bring his child home provided the leadership of many that led to justice for two.
Clearly, Collins went above and beyond what most of us would expect from pro bono representation and we are deeply appreciative of her resolve.
Her client benefited and our system of justice is stronger for it.
For more information on the pro bono opportunities throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit, attorneys are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, chairwoman, The JBA Pro Bono Committee at [email protected].