Conference quark::human_relations-v1

1272.0. "Help! High cost of breaking up!" by STRATA::PHILLIPS (Music of the spheres.) Fri Jun 05 1992 07:44

    I believe this has been covered in another note, but I need up-to-date
    information.
    
    After seven months of trying to salvage a foundering fifteen year
    marriage, I have reached the point of giving up at last.  My wife has
    insisted for a long time that divorce is needed here; I have only
    agreed just this week that we cannot stay together any longer.
    
    Yesterday I went to see an attorney recommended by a friend  so I could
    learn what rights I have and what I can reasonably expect.  What is
    making this situation less painful is that my wife and I have agreed on
    virtually all the issues: who will retain custody of our 14-year old
    daughter, what can I reasonably pay for child support, and how will our
    possessions (not many....) be divided, and what visitation rights I as
    a father would have.  Since we agree on enough things, my attorney says
    that a court appearance shouldn't be necessary.
    
    My question is this: if we can negotiate this much to a separation
    agreement, is there a way the whole thing can be done without enlisting
    in the high cost of a lawyer's fee?  It's going to be damn difficult to
    come up with the $800 retainer at the same time that I have to be
    looking for another place to live.  
    
    If someone can make recommendations here, please do - I'm still in
    shock from the decision for divorce; I don't need "sticker shock" on
    top of that if I can help it.
    				
    						--Eric--
    
    P.S. Moderator, please move this note if you feel the need to.....

    Eric,
    
    are you in Massachusetts? If so there are divorce mediation lawyers
    that will cost far less.
    
    Bonnie

    Re. .1
    
    Yes, I am living in Worcester.  Any names you can give me would be
    appreciated!
    
    						--Eric--
    

    I'll answer by mail.
    
    Bonnie

    Two Note Conferences that you will benefit from are:
    
    DLOACT::BLENDED_FAMILIES
    QUOKKA::NON_CUSTODIAL_PARENTS
    
    If browse through these directories you will find information all
    problems that you could encoutner: child support, layer referrals, MA
    state laws, custody, agreements, etc.
    
    I'm sure you will find it informational
      

    RE. all
    
    I've gotten several replies already.  Thank you all.
    
    They say it takes a crisis like this to show you who your friends are;
    I am overwhelmed by the friends I never knew I had, here at Digital.
    
    					Excelsior!
    
    					--Eric--