Paying for the Divorce and Spousal Support
My husband and I have been together for almost seven years (only married for two).
When we started dating he was making 28k, he has moved up at his job and is now making 74k.
I've always worked in bar jobs or low paying jobs, the most that I've ever made per year was 25k, which was not a big deal because what was mine was his and what was his was mine. We always had joint checking accounts and it was our money. There was never any question that it was OURS!
Recently, I quit my low paying job to go to Real Estate school. I am now jobless (looking for bar or part-time work). In the meantime for the last 6 to 8 months my husband and I have had major problems in our relationship. He recently moved out of the home we just purchased in the suburbs, and took every dime out of two checking accounts and one savings account.
The home we just purchased and two investment properties we have are all in my name (because he had credit issues). I have no money to pay bills, the mortgage, to eat, to put gas in my car etc. I have a credit card that I'm maxing out just to get by and my family is helping a little, but they can't help me pay a $1500 mortgage.
He has threatened to ruin my credit. I recently received a letter from his lawyer requesting a meeting with me and my counsel. I spoke to a lawyer on the phone who requested a $1250 retainer.
I have no money for a retainer! I went to legal aid, and they said that they can't really help me until I receive the divorce papers, and then they can look over them for me.
We have no children together.
Shouldn't he have to pay for the divorce and can I receive some type of spousal support in the mean time?
Thank you