Divorce issues - need advice

[Catty1]

There are a couple of lawyers here on the board who will chip in a bit. Also, most lawyers give a free consult of about 20 minutes or so. She might want to talk to one, just to see what she would be up against.

If there is a YWCA or other women's association in her area, they might be able to recommend a good lawyer.

She might want to look at a mediator as opposed to a lawyer as well.

I wish her luck.

[Karen]

She needs a lawyer, right now, before she starts any proceedings. A good experienced divorce lawyer - she can call the Bar Association in her state and ask for a recommendation. I'd have her do that right away, before signing anything over to anyone.

(Note: this is coming from someone who doesn't like dealing with lawyers unless necesary.)

[Logan]

She needs a lawyer, right now, before she starts any proceedings. A good experienced divorce lawyer - she can call the Bar Association in her state and ask for a recommendation. I'd have her do that right away, before signing anything over to anyone.

I totally agree. She doesn't need internet advice, she needs real, live legal advice from a lawyer who represents her.

Logan

[Queen of Poop]

I absolutely agree with Karen. Your friend needs to see a lawyer NOW. The lawyer can advise her on what she can legally do and what her rights are.

[lv4dogs]

I agree with everyone else. I hope she finds & gets the help she needs.

[Cataholic]

I have a saying, "pay me now or pay me later"...in which I mean either pay up NOW to get decent representation, or, pay me later when you want me to dig you out from your huge mess. Usually, it is cheaper to pay for the right work, now, then, emergency work later.

An experienced divorce attorney, of which I am not, will be able to sort through this, and advise your friend appropriately. In connection with a good, professional counselor, your friend will make it through.

[wolfsoul]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

The problem is, she won't even go meet a lawyer unless she knows she can get through the divorce without losing her stuff. She doesn't actually WANT to leave him, so she doesn't have alot of motivation, just alot of uncertainty. She's been going it over in her head for over a year and as unhappy as she is, she stays...She just doesn't want to lose everything. If I can somehow show her that she won't, then maybe she will go see a lawyer.