I have a 3 year old son and I've been a stay at home mom since he was born. About two years ago my husband became withdrawn, cold, bitter and sometimes downright mean, never directed at our son always me. I kept trying to find out what was wrong and even tried to get him into marriage counseling. I've just recently discoved that he's been having an affair with one of his employee's. He has moved out and refuses to get any help at all, I'm not even sure I want to get back with him but if we are going to have any sort of relationship that doesn't harm our son he needs to stop being so cruel to me. I know now that I need to get a lawyer to make sure my son and I are taken care of but I don't have any money of my own. I now know that it was probably a terrible mistake to give up my job to stay home but I really did think I was doing the best thing for my family. Does anyone know of any divorce attorney's that will work on a sliding scale or payment plan? I would appreciate any advice you could offer. Thank you.
DO NOT USE HIS ATTORNEY TO SAVE MONEY. I can't believe how many women fall for this tactic.
Phone the domestic violence shelters. They know who will work cheaper.
Honey you have money....probably about half of his and your attorney can petition for payment by your husband (especially as he is unfaithful one and you are a SAHM). Set up an appointment with an attorney and mention that you have no income as you are a SAHM and that you require interim spousal support and the payment of attorney fees. Good luck.
Edit: And child support, of course.
I'm sorry I don't have information on a lawyer for you.
Let me tell you this: You didn't make a mistake by giving up your job to care for your child!!!! Your choices were selfless.
Your jackass husband made a mistake by stepping outside his marriage and treating you badly. That's SELFISH.
Stay strong, believe in yourself.
I don't know of any lawyers in your area but I just wanted to say don't beat yourself up, you weren't wrong to stay home with your child. We all do the best we can with what we have and you gave your son three years of your direct attention. I wish you luck on your new adventure.
you actually don't "need" a lawyer. I did my whole divorce myself. Even if you can scrounge up the retainer for the lawyer (its usually 3k) there is no guarantee that's all they'll need and most likely it won't be and you'd pay much more. my best advice is to be very specific in your paperwork for holidays, visitation, child support, etc. Once it's ruled on thru the court its very difficult to go back and have it changed. this is a tough situation, i have been thru it and so have my kids. i'm now happily remarried so just keep the 'F.' that something better for you is down the road!
Get what money you can for a retainer for the attorney and move forward. If he has moved out you need to move on. I am sorry you are going through this.
You made a decision to take care of your family and I don't think you made a mistake. You did what was right for everyone at the time and I believe that only good things will happen for you in the furture. I hope that everything works out.
God Bless
Try finding a paralegal that can help with the forms etc. They are much cheaper than attorneys and can act as a liason if the two of you can not work together to do it yourselves. My Brother in law did this as most attorneys wanted at least $3k just to get started.
