I was under the influence of drugs and alcohol in 1996 and my wife left me. She met me in a bar in San Diego to sign various papers under duress, she flew back to Colorado and I not only signed over custody of my daughter but also a quitclaim deed to the house. I've been in prison and would like to know if I have legal merit to argue the case as it was also done in a bar without a notary or witnesses?

In jurisprudence, duress refers to a situation whereby a person performs an act as a result of violence, threat or other pressure against the person. What "duress" were you under? Drugs and alcohol? 15 years ago? In a bar is meaningless, Notarized-only if required, witnesses-only if required. Do you have any paperwork that shows your signature was notarized?