What should I do about divorce complaint?Cannot afford lawyer.

[jmv2003]

My husband of almost 9 years left in Aug 2016 on his own. He left me and our 2 children in the home(in NJ) and moved in with his parents. We were supposed to file a separation agreement with the courts until we were ready to go through with the divorce. He filed for divorce in June. I am not ready emotionally or financially.He pays the bills for the house but nothing else. I was served on Aug 14 with the papers. I cannot afford a lawyer retainer so I am trying to answer the complaint on my own. That is my first issue. Second, I went to the courthouse to file for child support. They gave me the documents and I have to fill them out. They told me I could ask for w/e I want. I am not sure what to include b/c he told me if I file for cs, he would stop paying the bills. Also, there are several repairs in the home that I need help paying for since he will not come back and fix them himself. Any advice on either of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[LdiJ]

My husband of almost 9 years left in Aug 2016 on his own. He left me and our 2 children in the home(in NJ) and moved in with his parents. We were supposed to file a separation agreement with the courts until we were ready to go through with the divorce. He filed for divorce in June. I am not ready emotionally or financially.He pays the bills for the house but nothing else. I was served on Aug 14 with the papers. I cannot afford a lawyer retainer so I am trying to answer the complaint on my own. That is my first issue. Second, I went to the courthouse to file for child support. They gave me the documents and I have to fill them out. They told me I could ask for w/e I want. I am not sure what to include b/c he told me if I file for cs, he would stop paying the bills. Also, there are several repairs in the home that I need help paying for since he will not come back and fix them himself. Any advice on either of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The reality of things is that he will have to pay child support, and you will divide the marital assets. However he is absolutely right that he does not have to pay your bills on top of that. He might have to pay some short term alimony, but that is not very likely if you do not have an attorney representing you.

 

[HRZ]

SUggestion unrelated to your direct question...if your can stall out the length of marriage until 10+ years that gives you coverage based on his SS ....at no cost to him . Importand if his work re rod is better than yours is or is likely to be .

 

[jmv2003]

SUggestion unrelated to your direct question...if your can stall out the length of marriage until 10+ years that gives you coverage based on his SS ....at no cost to him . Importand if his work re rod is better than yours is or is likely to be .

I dont think that will work out. It would be nice. October 2018 would be 10 years though.