I had no money, but I had to get custody of my children. I only had a part time job, so I used my free time attending custody cases in courtrooms in a tri-state area. I took detailed notes on everything that was said, all courtroom protocol, things that worked, things that didn't work. I hit up attys, stroking their egos, then asking for information to fill in the gaps. I filed all the proper paperwork myself. Practiced in front of a mirror. Prayed. Wore a suit and tie to court. Breathed deeply. Was carefully impassionate. Told the judge my situation in my opening statement. Called witnesses for myself, and addressed everyone properly. I even put my ex on the stand. I surprised everyone, especially her atty who had been on the bar for 30 years. He thought he would mop the floor with me being a country rube, but I impressed the judge by following courtroom decorum to a tee. And I won custody of my kids. It was a *lot* of work though.