No money for lawyer

[Lori63]

My husband has quit counseling and is moving out. Together we were BARELY paying our bills, and now I don't see how I'm going to make it. Selling the house at this time is not feasible (there are 25 houses for sale in our neighborhood, and ours has too many things that need fixed).
I am heartbroken and can't think straight. He won't move out until something is legally in writing saying I won't get him for desertion, etc.
I really need a lawyer because I am scared-one minute I think he'll do alright by me, then the next I think he couldn't care less. Our 16 year old will live with me, but I guess he doesn't care if we have heat or not.
Personally I think the man has no idea what he wants-he is unhappy and thinks leaving will solve everything.
I am trying to be amicable because I would take him back in a second, but at what point is that just being stupid?
Anyhow, does anyone know of any resources that might be able to help me? I make very little and in my mental state cannot get another job (as if there were any out there!)
Thanks for letting me vent. What a nightmare

[jluper7297]

Oh girl, I certainly feel your pain. You may want to check in to legal aid in your State. Perhaps there may be someone that can help you.

[Rene S]

Do you attend a place of worship? Sometimes churches have lawyers as parish members, and they are willing to help other parishioners. I was blessed to have this happen to me with my divorce years ago. He only charged me the cost of filing/fees. Call and ask.

[Jen1]

I am so sad for you going through this. I think the above idea is great! If that doesn't work - try local legal aid. Good luck!

[gem7]

I'm sorry you are going through this! Def. seek out legal aid. They offer it here at an affordable rate through the YWCA. I hope you two work it out, but be careful about signing anything.

[meggers]

I'm still praying for you Lori. You've been heavy on my mind & in my heart for the past couple of days. I actually just went in & checked your posts for an update & found this.

I'm praying for your DH as well.

[Gertie2u]

I've been praying for you as well. While I do not recommend it, I know there are do-it-yourself divorce kits. I think maybe you could just look one over to get a better idea of the lay of the land, though. I would suggest you see what you can find if you search on divorce in your state so that you can get yourself armed with information. You will see you'll need to make out a lists of all your assets and creditors and things like that to make finalizing things easier.

After that, try to find legal aid or someone from your church to help. If that doesn't do it, start calling around. Make sure you let them know you've got your lists of assets and bills all ready, and the divorce is uncontested. To begin with, call the offices of the family court in your county. Ask them can you get the names of perhaps 2 to 3 lawyers about to retire and the 2 to 3 newest lawyers in town. If you are just splitting everything 50/50 and there is no disagreement, I think you can find someone willing to give you a bargain price. Particularly if they are new and in need of the $ or about to retire and only handling the easy cases.

[wookin]

If you are working you may want to go to your HR dept and see if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They can give you info regarding discounted fees by local lawyers. Good luck, I feel for you my DD is going through somewhat the same thing right now.

[joshmamabear]

I am sorry to read you're going through this Like others said, seek and avail of free legal aid, if available in your state.

if your DH has decided to throw in the towel, there is very little you can do humanly possible; with Divine intervention, everything is possible. But sometimes, things like this happen for a reason where it comes out the best for parties concerned. It always take 2 to tango and if one refuse to try, we just have to accept it.

I pray the best for you and your son. Your life is about to change, embrace it and all the new possibilities it will bring forth. Praying for the best that's up ahead :)

[summermay]