Q: What form or motion do I file in MISSOURI to have my husband ordered to pay for a divorce attorney for myself?
What form or motion do I need to file in the state of Missouri to have my husband ordered to pay for an attorney for myself. I seem to meet just about every if not all of the special circumstances. He is the petitioner and has his own lawyer and I know they are taking advantage of me as I am representing myself as of right now. He's made it to nasty and complicated that I cannot continue on my own per doctor's orders due to health problems caused from him and this. He did not show to his petition for temp custody but his lawyer did and myself. The judge ordered mediation and will set a new court date after mediation. Mediation is on the 19th. However I came across an email that his lawyer sent to the mediation lawyer with a 4 page letter containing all my husband's false allegations about me with 44 pages of various photos and some that he had staged to set me up. So with that severity I have no choice.
TIA
A: You could ask the court to award temporary maintenance and attorneys fees. But the court usually doesn't award attorney's fees until the end of the case to reimburse that asking party for fees already spent. It is uncommon for a court to award fees upfront. Many attorneys take payments, don't be afraid to talk to one beforehand, it will be easier for them to navigate a motion for fees, then it will be for you. If you absolutely can't afford it, you may be able to look into options with a pro bono legal services organization.
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