#divorce #disability #financialdifficulty #familylaw #nohouselawyer #divorcehelp #emotionalstruggle
🔹Facing a divorce when you are disabled and financially struggling can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Imagine the shock and heartbreak of your partner leaving you for another man and filing for divorce, leaving you with no money for legal representation. This is a situation that no one should have to endure, but unfortunately, it is a reality for some individuals.
🔹Let’s delve into practical solutions that can help you navigate this difficult time and stand up for your rights, even when you feel like you have no resources on your side.
### Seeking Legal Assistance
1. Explore Free Legal Aid Options:
Utilize resources such as legal aid organizations or pro bono lawyers who may be able to assist you with your divorce case at no cost.
2. Contact Bar Associations:
Reach out to local bar associations to inquire about low-cost legal services or legal clinics that can provide guidance on your case.
3. Court Representation:
While representing yourself in court can be challenging, you can still attend the first court appearance to plead your case and request more time to seek legal assistance.
### Handling Financial Struggles
1. Budgeting and Financial Planning:
Create a budget based on your SSDI income and prioritize essential expenses, such as food and shelter. Seek assistance from community organizations or food banks for additional support.
2. Housing Assistance:
Explore resources for affordable housing options or contact social services agencies for temporary housing assistance while you navigate your divorce proceedings.
3. Communication with Spouse:
Try to open a dialogue with your spouse about temporary arrangements for housing or financial support during the divorce process. Mediation or collaborative divorce may offer a less adversarial approach to resolving conflicts.
### Emotional Support and Self-Care
1. Seek Counseling or Support Groups:
Connect with mental health professionals or local support groups for individuals going through divorce to cope with the emotional stress and trauma.
2. Self-Care Practices:
Focus on self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation during this challenging time.
🔹Remember that you are not alone in this struggle. By seeking out resources, support, and guidance, you can navigate the legal complexities of divorce while safeguarding your rights and well-being. Stay strong, and reach out to your community for assistance during this challenging period. Every step forward is a step towards rebuilding your life and finding a new path forward. #nevergiveup #findingstrength #divorcejourney
Have you consulted or reached out to a lawyer yet to understand your options? There’s a strong chance that because you’re disabled, she could be on the hook for lawyer fees for you as well.
Not sure the state you are in but outside of legal aid – see if your state bar association has a find-a-lawyer website – which will provide lists of attorneys by specialty which will work for reduced rate. These attorneys might often offer a brief consultation with you for as little as $25 or less.
You can try interweb search “[Your State] legal services” (or “legal assistance”). A lot of law schools also have family law clinics that you might qualify for. Generally, there’s a line to get in, but keep trying! You don’t necessarily need a lawyer from your town (it helps) but the somewhere in the state might work too.
If you can’t get an attorney before your first court appearance, explain your situation to the judge as best you can. You can always ask for a little more time to find counsel.
Good luck!
This financial disparity isn’t all that uncommon in family law. There appear to be assets in the estate, and certainly some things could be hidden. There are family law attorneys out there who know how to do this. Start calling and requesting consults.
Some of this is going to depend what state you are in.
But first and foremost, in most cases, she can not demand that you leave. There are a number of issues with her demanding you move out: it is your residence. It doesn’t matter that she pays for it. It is your residence as well.
If you are on the deed, that will make very very difficult for her to remove you. You are in fact part owner of the house. That gives you leverage.
If you are in a community property state, the house is considered to be part of the community property, and you are entitled to the value of it.
Also, depending on where you live, she can be required to pay you alimony.
You need to find a lawyer asap.
What state are you in?
Do not leave the marital home. She abandoned you. And since she was the breadwinner you will probably need alimony and in some states she would be responsible for paying for your legal fees due to the income disparity.
100% your life is going to change now. I am in NY and the courthouse by me has free legal aid once a month. You need to go to your local courthouses to see if they offer any services for you due to your disability status.
You cannot show up to court without a lawyer. Sell whatever you have and beg and borrow from friends / family to get the money together for a retainer. You will be screwing yourself over if you try to do this pro se.
Google you state, city or county name and legal aid after it. There should be a legal aid office that can help you for little to no cost.
A lot of lawyers will give a free consultation. See what your options are. Ask her to pay the lawyer and alimony and see if she had a right to sell the house before the divorce. See if you can use the cheating against her. Ask for half of the money when the house is sold. She is counting on you not being able to do anything. As soon as possible, look for a lawyer that gives free consultations.
Do you have a joint bank account it was she withholding all the funds ?
The law may offer you some extra protection as a dependent adult. I’m not a lawyer but you need one. Do not move out of the home. Get a lawyer. Various comments above have pointed out some potential legal resources for you. Also since you receive SSDI, you may have legal aid resources available to you. Contact a social worker.
Contact a lawyer for yourself, she will most likely be responsible for covering your lawyer fees.
I will add this advice: do not take any legal advice from your opponent. Do not believe anything they say you “have” to do. At this point you listen to YOUR lawyers and judges.
The law doesn’t always work the way your adversary thinks it’s does.
You have a lot more rights and power than you think you have. You are entitled to a lot more than you think. Your opponent will gaslight you into giving up things that are yours.
Go to your local Legal Aid immediately. They help indigent individuals such as yourself.
If she goes through this process with a lawyer and you don’t have one, I can absolutely guarantee a bad result for you. Look up legal aid in your area right away.
Usually half the house is yours but also half the debts 🙁 I think you really need to consult a disability organisation in your area that could help you find a good attorney. Until then, don’t sign anything and don’t promise anything.
Whatever you do , DO NOT move out of the house! Change the locks and do not let anyone in or on your property. Your wife has abandoned the marriage and the house. Most likely you will be entitled to some spousal support from your wife, bite the bullet, call a lawyer, put it on a credit card if you have to. Good luck to you, you’ve got this!