Can anyone help me out here, my husband has left me and our 3 children, and i want to file for a divorce, but i went to see a lawyer who wanted $2,000.00 up front, the whole thing will cost me about $5,000.00 he estimates, and i dont have anything, no savings, nothing..I live in Michigan if that helps, and need to fing some information on filing a divorce on limited income,does anyone know of anywhere that could help me.He is also not giving me any money at the moment, so i need child support ASAP. My husband has a very good paid job at his families company,and also earns cash under the table that he will try to hide. Any websites, or information of any kind would be appreciated.
2007-05-27 21:29:37 · 11 answers · asked by lolly 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
You can apply for pro bono service. Pro bono lawyers can scale back their rates based on your ability to pay. I live in MD, and there's a 1800 number you can dial to file for a pro bono lawyer. I don't know what state you live in, but you can do a web search for your state and pro bono lawyers.
In regards to child support, don't expect him to pay it out of the goodness of his heart. File for child support with the state. The good thing is you don't need a lawyer to do that.
If you want to investigate under-the-table earnings, you'll probably have to hire a lawyer for that, but will it be worth it?
2007-05-27 21:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by Kestra SpiritNova 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your hubby left you in the house then you need to do a few things before he gets to thinking about it. You need to make copies of all of his paystubbs (so you can prove how much he makes) also if there are bank deposits for the "cash under the table" then get bank print outs of that as well. Do you know if they were at certain intervals? Every month or every 3 months? What were they based on? What was the average? While all of this is fresh on your mind write down what you can remember.
Is he fighting you for anything in the divorce or is everthing pretty much decided and ready to go? If most of the stuff is decided but, child support (i think that is uncontested divorce) if that is the case then some lawyers just have a flat fee to draw up the paperwork. Lawyers fees will vary greatly so call around. Go to the blue pages (government section) in the phone book and look up the district attorney's office. They should be able to give you the information about filing for child support and getting a reduced rate for a lawyer. Also a good source for reasonable trustworthy lawers is a local police officer. They are in court all the time for domestic cases and come in contact with lawers along the way. If you know a good local police officer he might be able to give you the name of a trustworthy lawyer.
You need a good lawyer!! If your ex-hubby's family has a big business that pays him well they have enough money to get a fast talking lawyer to work the paperwork and get him out from under his obligations to his family. You need a good lawyer that will not let that happen to you. If they employ him and are not making him pay for his children or the house you live in then they are already taking his side and making plans to keep him out of trouble.
Find as much proof of his income as you can and also if you have a pre-nup now is the time to drag that out and see the nitty gritty of exactly what that says as well.
Good luck
2007-05-27 21:55:06 · answer #2 · answered by hotelmajor 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go to your local county and tell them that your husband has abandonded you and your children and you have no money to file for divorce. If you have a joint bank account they may be able to help you get money from that to retain a lawyer, after that you can request that your husband pay all lawyer's fees and court costs. If you can show proof that he is paid under the table that will probably be very helpful in your case especially concerning the IRS.
2007-05-27 22:38:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My suggestion is look up human resources in the county section of your phone book. (Or go to the court house, they will advise you where to go). Ask them how do you get an income based divorce lawyer. I've been told it is a lengthy process, but its worth it when you don't have the funds. It is different state to state. You can file for child support even though you are married to him. Just go to the department that handles child support and fill out the paperwork. I hate your going through this but things will get better. I wish you and your kids much luck...
2007-05-27 22:00:39 · answer #4 · answered by Lil_MissVal 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was in your exact same boat- 3 children-he left-I didn't make much- i was pretty much astay at home mom - no savings- no money in the bank- he took everything out-
well- first things first-- get up to the child support office, and file for child support --even though I was getting divorced- first thing I did was to sign up for child support-- I let them handle that-- even though in the divorce we negotiated the amount -- i was at least receiving child support. when you are at the child support office-- ask them about daycare assistance-- they help you pay your daycare-- and you pay a co-pay(small one).. depending upon how much you make-- very helpful to you!! Its there for people like you that need it in a time of need.
There is legal aid out there that can maybe help you out- look that up in your area.
I did not use legal aid---my attorney didn't make me put any money up front-or maybe it was 100-$200. and he let me make payments of $50 a month-- maybe look around some more- and see what you can find-- and tell them your circumstances.... my divorce was not anywhere near $5000 - and we didn't agree on everything up front.
rummage through the house and find anything you can that will help you as far as cash under the table.... I did that- my ex had a side job- doing starters- made lots of money-- I found our old credit card bills that he charged things on -- I found hand written notes he wrote with who he was doing things for etc-- sure helped me get 'extra' for child support.
Whatever you do-- don't give in when he wants all the children for tax purposes. -- you need them! my ex tried that on me-- sorry for him - I am smarter then he is.
btw- I'm in Mn- not much different then michigan- keep searching for attorneys..you picked the wrong one.
Btw- My attorney didn't think I could get extra for child support-- (more then what was required)-- for his side jobs-- but, I proved the attorney wrong- When I showed up at our meeting right before court- and i showed them what I have for proof of his side business- they were happy to make a deal with me. I got an extra $75 a month for that.
Also- you don't make much-- when it comes to insurance-- make him pay it -- and..for out of pocket-- try to make him pay 100%, and you pay 0%. might work-- (actually, mine is 50%/40% for our of pocket expenses....those types of things add up.
2007-05-31 08:01:49 · answer #5 · answered by ★★★ Katharine ♥♥♥♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is way too much. It is only $500.00 to get a simple divorce, and the lawyer can put in the papers that the husband has to pay all court cost and lawyer fees.
2007-05-28 02:45:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call the district attorney's office and tell them that you have no means of support for your children and no money to file with, ask them who you should contact. They will tell you exactly what you need to do. There are legal aid attorneys that will file for child support for you. You do not need to pay a private attorney right now. Later, when you are on your feet, you might want to get a private attorney to get you more money for support, but for right now do what you have to do. Good Luck!!!
2007-05-27 21:38:00 · answer #7 · answered by PEGGY S 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest you to take advice from a good lawyer
Try this link
http://www.usalegalcare.com/divorce.htm
Just fill their easy form and they will contact you very soon.
Good luck
2007-05-29 18:48:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop your bickering! Take a deep breathe, and relax. It's going to be alright. Now, explain to us, why did you drop out of high school, better yet, why did you open up your legs to a loser?
2007-05-27 21:49:15 · answer #9 · answered by brianlv93 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Get a job.
2007-05-27 21:43:34 · answer #10 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋