Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
do I believe him?
My husband and I are divorcing after 10 years and two kids. His family has money and I am struggling on $300 a week (rent, bills, food, etc). He has a lawyer and said the total cost of the divorce is $1500. He tells me I have to pay half and want $750 withing 6 months. Do I have to pay half if he is filing for divorce? If he files, all I have to do is sign the papers, right? How do I get help on child support? Do I have to have a lawyer? I can't afford one. Should he be paying me while we are separated (child support) until something final and legal gets done?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: do I believe him?
Your question is "do I believe him?" My answer is NO.
While you can pay half of the fees if you like, you are
not obligated to do so unless a court orders you to do
so. You also should act to obtain temporary support while
the divorce is pending. I also STRONGLY suggest that you
do not just sign whatever documents he places in front of
you. I have seen many situations, including one earlier
today, where "believing" has come back to bite the trusting party.
You need to have an attorney at least review the paperwork
to see if it is in line with the norm. Having an attorney
review the papers will cost some money, but you will likely
make it back many times over and at least know in your mind
whether or not he is being up front with you.
Re: do I believe him?
With all due respect, ma'am, you need a lawyer about as bad as Dorothy needed a storm cellar.