Do I need an attorney for divorce when we have nothing!

[mcmfs]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

Just wondering if I need an attorney to get a divorce when our kids are over 21 and we rent so don't own a house, I own the 2 cars both paid for, we do have some debt, he has hospital bills and so do I.

Thank you

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

Just wondering if I need an attorney to get a divorce when our kids are over 21 and we rent so don't own a house, I own the 2 cars both paid for, we do have some debt, he has hospital bills and so do I.

Thank you

You would each be expected to come out of the divorce with a car, so if you are willing to concede that point, you might very well be able to do it without an attorney.

 

[Just Blue]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

Just wondering if I need an attorney to get a divorce when our kids are over 21 and we rent so don't own a house, I own the 2 cars both paid for, we do have some debt, he has hospital bills and so do I.

Thank you

All marital assets and debts get split 50/50. If you can agree on terms you, neither of you, will need an attorney.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

Are there any retirement plans? 401K? IRAs? Pensions?

 

[not2cleverRed]

Frankly, it depends...

Yes, in *theory* it is possible to have an inexpensive divorce in your situation, maybe without a lawyer.

BUT that only works with people that can be reasonable (and if you can work together you wouldn't be divorcing) OR when one party is just willing to cave and bend over backwards to get out of a relationship.

Costs go up NOT because there's a lot of marital assets/debts to quibble about, but because at least one party is willing to fight. It might be worth it, or it may be just an act of vindictiveness, or, most tragic of all, it might be that the party is just oblivious of how the cost-benefit analysis works out. (How much you're going to get vs how much you're going to pay in legal fees.)

Judging from your other thread, you may be dealing with some vindictiveness from the other party... How much are you willing to walk away from?

 

[tuffbrk]

Do you both earn similar salaries or is alimony/spousal support a consideration?

 

[mcmfs]

Thank you all for your replies.

I will have to leave my husband when he is not home, he can be violent and I know when he knows I'm definitely leaving he will do just about anything as he can't control himself and was arrested for domestic violence 2 months ago.

I don't care about anything, I bought both cars and they are paid for now and he can have his, don't care, we own nothing else, no retirement anymore (he went in to it) I earn more than him so he's always threatening if I leave he will take me for everything (he can be nice one minute, crazy shouting the next and I've gone 1/2 nuts myself)

Just want to walk away.

Will probably talk to an attorney to see if I can divorce him by myself.

 

[not2cleverRed]

DO contact your local domestic violence shelter or http://ccadv.org/ to see what help, if any, is available to you.

DO put together an escape plan.