LADYBUG trying to detatch..but doesn't know how.

[ms ladybug]

OK. I spoke with an atty who was able to do a free phone consultation. She was actually at home sick today, so she'll get back to me tomorrow on actual $ that she thinks I'll get for child support, spousal support, etc...

Basically, I'm entitled to nothing unless papers are filed.

I wanted to avoid filing for divorce, but at this point, I don't see how. H telling me that he'll take care of whatever the kids need, but is not going to pay me a set amount every month isn't going to cut it.

This means....the house is husbands. I MAY be able to afford it with my income plus child support, but I think it would be very tight and saving money would be impossible. Now is a good time to buy when houses are so cheap, so I'd be better off going that route. Filing for divorce would also mean that the equity in the house NOW is half mine. What's half of NOTHING?

It's also EXPENSIVE to divorce. To retain an attorney is $3500 plus the filing fee of $320 (who the heck gets paid $320 to input data into a computer? Filing fee..?)

I did go to the bank last week and opened my very own checking account.

So...now I need to pray, and figure out how to go about this. Collaborative divorce would likely be cheaper, and nicer. I'm going to get the $ numbers from this lady tomorrow, and see what I'm entitled to. Also, WHEN do I want to do this? Initially, I wanted to stay in the house until after the holidays, I still like that idea. I don't know if h will go for it, but I think I have enough to cover my ass alone for 2 months. If I file for divorce, child support will start then, and h would have to give me back payments...but I don't want this to get nasty.

I don't want this at all.