Q: My husband and I have been married for 23 years he filed for divorce he makes $68,000 p/yr
I have been unemployed for three years do to us moving around because of him changing jobs all the time I do not have a college education he does. He also has taken all the money out of our joint account and opened up his own account. He has left me penniless and our lease was just up September 1st so now I am having to stay with a girlfriend who thank God is letting me stay with her for free right now I have no income. He wants me to settle for $400 a month for a period of one year and not go after him for maintenance. Everyone's telling me I should get a lawyer to represent me but I have no money to hire a lawyer. I've called legal action but they will not help me because it's not a domestic abuse case. Everybody says I would get a lot more money for longer if I go for maintenance. He's been living with another woman for about 2 months now before he even served me with divorce papers. What should I do?
A:
With 23 years of marriage, you are entitled to more to a hefty divorce package. First, you are still entitled to all of the money he took out of the joint account. Since you are still married, he is required to pay for your essentials, e.g., housing, food, healthcare, etc.
Don't worry if you do not have funds to hire an attorney. I am sure that there are many attorneys in Wisconsin who will take your case. Your husband will be required to pay your legal fees. Let me suggest you call a few divorce attorney, who offer a free consolation. You can find them on the Justia website.
Tell them your situation, and ask them if they will take your case, based on your husband paying your legal fees. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck.
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