Advice for a friend

[isis297]

What is the name of your state? NY

A friend of mine has been with her husband for about 12 years but only married for 3. He owns a restaurant but her name is not on it or HIS house. He pays the mortgage and pays her hourly to work at his restaurant. With that she pays ALL the other bills.

He had her sign a prenup less than 2 days before they got married at his lawyer's office. She was not able to seek legal advice. She said she was told in NY it doesn't matter if she wasn't given proper time to review the prenup. Is this correct?

What can someone in her shoes do if they want to get divorced but have nothing because of the control they are under? She isn't even ALLOWED to work elsewhere. She must work at is restaurant. I am really concerned for her and the children.

Any advice is greatly appreciated as I'm wondering if there are any loopholes, any groups that offer assistance so that financially she could free herself, any lawyers that work on people in her situation's benefit since I wonder how custody would work if he has all these benefits and she has none? She would never want to lose her children.

Thank you!

 

[Ohiogal]

She needs an attorney. have her contact legal aid.

 

[isis297]

I suggested that. She said she wants to but is afraid what he will do if he finds out she sought advice. He has to know her every move. Part of me wants to ask her for a copy of the prenup and tell her I'LL go get advice for her!

 

[Ohiogal]

I suggested that. She said she wants to but is afraid what he will do if he finds out she sought advice. He has to know her every move. Part of me wants to ask her for a copy of the prenup and tell her I'LL go get advice for her!

Then she needs to leave him and go to a battered women's shelter.

 

[isis297]

Is there a legal reason she should seek advice or is what she has been told about NY correct? I don't know that he is physical with her. I just know he plays head games and makes it so she is completely dependent upon him. Bad enough in their own ways of course but not sure a shelter would be her next step.

 

[Ohiogal]

No it is not true.

 

[isis297]

Thank you. I really appreciate your help. Is there a site you can refer me to where I could see information on this?

Thanks!

 

[isis297]

Hi again...sorry to be a bother but I'd really love to find this information and show it to her. Where can I find that she should have had ample opportunity to read the prenup and since she didn't get that, she can have the prenup voided? Also, what is the law if the prenup should be voided? What would she be entitled to in a divorce?

Thanks again!

 

[Ohiogal]

Again, tell her to go to a battered woman's shelter and contact legal aid.

 

[AmyElizabeth]

My sister in Ohio is in a similar, very similar situation! But she wants to stay and work things out with the guy. He's trying to harass her into leaving him.

It's a frustrating thing to watch someone you love stay in a situation like that...