Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

do i need a lawyer

i left carlisle pennsylvania 5 weeks ago because my husband said our relationship was over. i am currently living in ireland and will be receiving his request for a divorce in the next couple days.i did not work the last two years of our marriage and my husband was making $80000 per annum. we bought a house. he has retained a lawyer, i cannot afford one and want to know what my options are? will i be able to collect alimony since it was his decision to end the marriage? i felt like i had no choice but to leave the house because he was paying all the bills but now i am afraid he can use that against me.do i need to retain a lawyer and if so since i am not earning and we had no savings will he be responsible for paying my legal fees?i also was covered on his medical insurance will this continue and for how long? we also had two dogs that were bought by me before our marriage that i want to keep but i don't have any proof that they are mine. please help, thank you


Asked on 12/26/06, 10:28 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: do i need a lawyer

Unfortunately you do need a lawyer. It is hard enough when one party is in another state let alone another country.

Yes you can ask the court to order him to cover your attorney's fees. How likely that the court will order him to pay is not certain.

Alimony can be hard to get without know what divorce grounds are in his complaint it would be impossible to say.

As for medical insurance he is required to keep it in force until the divorce is finalized.

The dogs are considered non-marital property. As to proof they are yours you might try to find a dog license fee that pre-dates your marriage.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. The initial consultation is free.

{John}

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Answered on 12/26/06, 11:54 am


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