Ok, in the defense of my profession, not all lawyers are out to take advantage of clients. My lawyer, to whom I've only paid about $600 at this point and has not even requested a retainer (this for in excess of 2 hours of very specific discussion of my case and additional review of my documents), was adamant that I not file for divorce because of concerns that my H will use the process to hurt me and my children (and I now realize because there is an important timing component that affects the distribution of assets under state law), and has the resources to do so.
It is important to find the right lawyer, not the first one and not the cheapest.
It is also important to recognize that it is timidity in the legal process that is expensive. Bold, decisive action often shortcuts a more expensive drawn-out process. T that applies to your situation as well.
