Michigan's a "no fault" state for divorce, so the affair only matters in relation to the division of marital property, and even then only to the extent that you go to trial instead of settling. And even then, in a troubled marriage, it's not likely to make much difference in the split.Quoting broken heart
His lawyer says it's okay for him to sleep around, because it's hard to prove? Sheesh....Quoting broken heart
I assume his lawyer didn't tell you this, but he has no choice in the matter if you push things - as a matter of law you're entitled to a share of his retirement benefits which accrued during the marriage. Child support is determined by formula. The fact that he provided support during the marriage is irrelevant to his obligation to pay spousal support after a divorce.Quoting broken heart
So he's threatening you with a custody challenge if you assert your financial rights? Nice.Quoting broken heart
Three options come to mind:Quoting broken heart
- Legal Aid (look here and here);
- Having a court ask that he be ordered to advance legal fees to you, to be repaid from the eventual settlement or judgment; or
- Find a lawyer willing to be paid out of the eventual settlement or judgment.
If you have MS, even if you are in a stable period or temporary remission, it's a degenerative disease. (I don't need to tell you that.) Which means that you may well find yourself unable to work, even if at present you feel capable of holding a job. You should look into the work incentive programs such that if you feel capable of working (and qualify) you can do so without putting your benefits in jeopardy.Quoting broken heart
Which should help you considerably in any custody dispute. (And presumably you're still a stay-at-home mom, which makes it harder for him to argue that you're unfit as he is fully aware of the facts he threatens to allege and is still happy with that arrangement.)Quoting broken heart
But, as he's representing your husband, he'll likely help engineer a settlement that is not in your favor, as evidenced by his failure to tell you of your entitlement to a share of your husband's retirement benefits and savings.Quoting broken heart

