My question involves a marriage in the state of: ILLINOIS (Cook County)
Good Afternoon!
My divorce is at a standstill (We are both pro-se) and I'm not sure how to get it going without hiring a lawyer. It has not gone to trial.
First, a little background of how things have gone, and I'll try to spare any drama...
My husband and I had been separated for about a year before he filed for divorce (Filed in Aug 2013). My husband was abusive but none of this is documented so I've been told that point is moot. We have three minor children. There is no actual custody order in place, but we have set up our own visitation schedule that is very flexible between our work schedules.
So he filed. I was served - I filed my written appearance but not a response. They tried to file a motion for default but I talked to his lawyer who then allowed us 30 days to get my response in. There were no property issues (he took everything, but honestly I don't want anything...) - the only thing I asked for was residential control (joint custody). Our "hangup" was residential control. His counsel eventually quit (he couldn't pay them) and we continued going for "Status Calls" to check on how we were doing. They referred us to parenting classes, which we both took. They referred us to mediation, but by the time that date rolled around we had come to an agreement. We were supposed to be back for a status call mid-june but neither of us were able to attend. Since then, events have occurred that have made me seriously question my decision and I would like to file for primary custody and give him weekend (overnight) visitation of the oldest two (almost 7 and 5) and daytime weekend visitation of our 2 year old. We live two blocks away from each other.
I guess I have a few questions here.
1. How can I get the divorce process "moving"?
2. Can I file for temporary custody while the divorce process is happening? What form is that for Cook County IL?
3. Likewise, can I file for temporary child support? If I am taking on more days with my children I still need to work and will need to pay for a nanny/sitter/daycare.
4. How do I change my answers on the written response I filed? Can I file a response again? Is there a form I need for that?
If possible, I'd like to e-file, but if necessary I can go down to the courthouse and do it myself.
I know at this point I'm probably going to need an attorney. I'm hesitant though, because a) it's expensive and I make too much to qualify for a lot of low income programs and b) he tends to just agree with whatever I want to do.
Thoughts?
Thank you!
-M

