Prodigal,
I hope that you will find the help you need at legal aid and that things will go well for you.
Too bad the other atty didn't work out but I guess business is good and he can afford to turn away clients. I met with an atty once who was like that- it turns out I didn't want or need him anyway.
Maybe it's for the best that you are going to get free help. I would put more trust in someone who cares enough to volunteer their time or take a lower salary in order to do what they believe in. You don't always get what you pay for.