Q: my husband walked out on me when I came home from the hospital with hospice my kidneys had completely shut down
That was July 2 I have since recovered and am out of hospice care. I haven't heard from my husband he has left me in a house with little or no plumbing an unregistered car no money and my child 17 and 20 are under orders to not talk to me. I need to get my life back he told me he would take everything from me and he has I hate to admit I attempted to kill myself thank God my sister called 911. I dont want to die but I cant live with no money in a house I cant sell I cant even get my meds for my congestive heart failure he wont respond to me and I have no idea where his new place is he recently took out another loan to buy another car when he has the only legal running car already. I dont have any money and I need to get a divorce and I need help is there anyone who can help me and when the house is sold I can pay? I really need help I have no one and nothing he left me with three dogs to care for I cant afford them either. Please tell me is there anyone who can help me? ~ Anita Downer
A:
If you are receiving government benefits for your medical conditions (SSI/SSDI, SNAP, MediCal), you'll likely qualify for a waiver of the $435.00, and you should apply for his waiver anyway given all of your hardships.
You can go to the Contra Costa County Courthouse's self-help center for free legal information and guidance in filing yourself so you don't have to hire an attorney.
You may want to reach out to the Department of Public Social Services to apply for aid from them if your financial situation is as dire as it is.
As for a fee arrangement where the attorney places a lien on the sales from your home -- most attorneys are going to ask for payment in the form of a retainer upfront. You may be able to find an attorney by calling around and asking if they'll do what you ask, but most will not. The most common solution I see is that clients borrow from friends or family for the retainer, and pay back that loan when they received the proceeds from the sale.
Good luck.
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