Broke but wish to divorce; don't know what to do.

[ski312000]

I have been unhappily married for over 11 years. Our son and myself have been abused many different ways in that time. My husband has kept us broke for the entire 11 years and we have no money. We cannot afford to live apart and we both don't have anyone to turn to for help. We have not been a married couple for years, just roommates and we stopped acting like a married couple almost a year ago. I am very unhappy and wish to dissolve my marriage, but cannot afford an attorney and we would have to still remain roommates strictly for financial reasons. I don't want his name anymore and don't wish to answer to him anymore. We have nothing. We rent, we only have individual posessions and our son. I don't know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in Massachusetts. Thank you for reading.

 

[dee709]

Here's what I did. I too was married and couldn't afford an attorney. I contacted my provincial(state) capital building ( I lived in Canada at the time). Told the receptionist that I needed a divorce and they sent me the appropriate papers. I took a while to muddle through all the legal terminology but I did. The cost for the divorce was approx. $150. That included hiring a process server who had to find my ex and serve him with the papers. You may not have this expense. Good luck

 

[Roscoe]

Go with your heart

Go with your heart, not your pocketbook. Call a shelter, church or a local legal services office. Go on assistance if need be. If you've paid into the system, now is your time to ask for a little help. Do not stay in an abusive realtionship, regardless of the type of abuse. Your child will grow up with no idea of what a healthly relationship is to be and will perpetuate the cycle. And, do not treat your son like a possession -- he is only on "loan" to you....take responsibility for him, not custody.