Getting a Divorce - Monee,IL

Most lawyers (law firms) will provide a one hour free consultation. Before you go, gather as much information as you can (tax records, bank, all assets, etc.). Also, do you have a joint bank account? If so, when you are ready to make your move, take 50% of what ever you can. You may have to visit a few attorneys, but find one that will ask the court for your husband to PAY your attorney's fee. Given that you have a long term marriage and four children and have always been a stay at home mother, the judge will award you child support and spousal support.

Divorce is not easy and can be especially difficult at this time of year. Be kind to yourself, pamper yourself and focus on the future.

Blessings....

Go right now and get a job. My friend lost her kids because she could not support them. The judge said that since she did not have her own income she was destitute and the dad got full custody of them without even really trying.

So go get a job. You will be expected to pay for your own attorney all the way so be prepared for several thousand dollars in court costs and attorney fees.

Then you need to go through everything you can find that he left there, find any bank accounts, credit cards, loans, etc....that you can get hold of. Turn that stuff in to your attorney. They need to have all that stuff filed on the case so if you do get your kids you will get more child support.

Don't let him manipulate you into lowering child support or any part he will be paying.

Kathy Vaught PC handles divorces in a four county area and is very experienced in counseling and if appropriate, filing for divorce. Her contact information is www.kvaughtlaw.com at phone number ###-###-####. She also handles financial issues including bankruptcy. If you can get to her web site - it gives her background and a link for setting up an appointment.
Please keep us posted on what happens. Your mamapedia friends are here to give you support even though we are not lawyers.
HUGS!
PS. Kathy Vaught's office is closed today because it is Thanksgiving.

I am going through the process of divorce right now and everything you just said is so exactly what is happening to me. We separated 20 days after our anniversary in September. He has had affairs, we have a son of 9 months, and he has his own business, paid for everything and no extra money. I do work full time, he was physically abusive towards me...we were only married for 3 years. I was the first to file after I found out about this last one, I tried to salvage my marriage but I realized I couldn't let our son see how violent he gets any more. Luckily, I had access to bank account and e-mail and was able to get interesting things off of there. We (my lawyer) are in the process of subpoena some records of clients and checks that came through the business because he is claiming he only makes 2k a month and according to him I am suppose to pay him spousal support! Oh and I also work for a bank so I was able to get images of checks that were not deposited into the business account (small businesses can get away with hiding money if nobody tracks the checks; unfortunately for him I have access to that information and without jeopardizing my job.) Now we are waiting for the trail to begin in July 2013.

All I'm saying is that I feel better now for taking that step. I do miss him because I still do love him but I know it will never work and my son needs to be better than him. If you have access or can get a hold of information that might help your case, go for it. It does get better and I am also attending counseling.

I have a divorce lawyer in my networking group who is great - I know she practices in DuPage and Cook county - contact her - she is awesome.
Her name is Katie Galanes phone ###-###-####
Her email is ____@____.com
Tell her that M. from her networking group referred you to her.
Best wishes