Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar walked away from a real estate deal with millions, but they are no longer interested in funding their son’s defense and appeals, it seems. Last month, Josh Duggar requested a court-appointed lawyer to help him appeal his child pornography conviction. The disgraced former reality TV star claims he has no funds to hire private counsel. Josh had an entire team of hired lawyers during his trial and through multiple appeals.

Josh Duggar claims he’s out of money, can’t hire his own lawyer

Josh Duggar wants to continue fighting his conviction for receiving and possessing child pornography, but he’s going to have to do it without the help of a team of lawyers. Last month, the U.S. Sun obtained paperwork submitted to a federal judge by Josh Duggar.

According to the outlet, Josh submitted a plea to Judge Timothy L. Brooks requesting a court-appointed attorney, a strange development considering his previous family support. In the plea, Josh told Judge Brooks that his case involves “significant issues relating to trial errors, evidentiary rulings, and other constitutional violations.” He claims that he lacks the necessary legal expertise to investigate violations and does not have the funds to hire private counsel.

This is not Josh’s first attempt to appeal his conviction. It would be his first attempt with a court-appointed lawyer, though. In October 2022, with the help of lawyers Justin Gelfand and Travis Story, he filed his first appeal. It was rejected in 2023. Duggar then requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. The court declined.

It was largely assumed that Jim Bob Duggar funded his son’s defense, as well as his appeals process. Jim Bob was in court daily during the trial. While his mother didn’t attend the trial, Michelle opted to write a character letter on behalf of her son. It’s unclear why they may have pulled support now.

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s real estate deals have netted them millions

While Josh Duggar has no money, according to the letter he wrote a judge, his parents have plenty. Aside from the earnings from years on reality TV, Jim Bob and Michelle also own a healthy portfolio of real estate consisting of property in and around Springdale, Arkansas. At least one of their purchases paid off earlier this year.

In April 2025, the Duggars completed a major real estate sale to Walmart, netting $4.7 million for a 16-acre parcel in Tontitown, Arkansas. According to Realtor, they purchased the land for just $600,000. Rumors are swirling that a tract of land sold by an LLC for over $5 million in the same area may have belonged to the Duggar family, too.

The couple also owns various rental properties, commercial real estate, and even a plane or two. In short, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are unlikely to be short on cash. If they’ve opted not to continue bankrolling their son’s defense, there is probably a good reason. Unfortunately, the public likely will never find out.