Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

my husband filed for divorce 1yr and 2 months ago. we haven't spoken since the day he left about anything other than our minor child. today i received citation-rule to show cause and citation for petition for partition of community property. I have about 500.00 in savings and can't really afford a lawyer. what do these papers mean and can I show up and ask for an extention. I thought after 23 years of marriage he would come to his senses, but these papers end all hope of that. the rule to show cause says I have to appear in court on the 12 of july. the other states I have 15 days or be under penalty of default. I feel very unprepared. I didn't think it would go this far. I also was strangled the day he left and my children had to pull him off of me. He has only hit me twice in our married life, so I feel a restraining order is not what I want to do. I really wish I could stop this divorce. I feel all he needs is a little counceling and face the issues. Can I ask the court to make him see a councelor even if its to co-parent better?


Asked on 7/06/10, 3:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

You cannot stop the divorce, but you probably can obtain interim spousal support and you certainly have a right to your 1/2 interest in the community property, which could be rather large if you and he had income.......or even if just he had income and retirement. But you need an attorney in the Parish where he filed.

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Answered on 7/07/10, 4:55 pm


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