Hey All,

I hope I can get some fast advice here. I am going to see my lawyer in about an hour. What type of questions should I ask. I am concerned about Alimony (as one lawyer said I may not have to pay PERMANENT alimony.) I am just going to see him to find out what I can be doing to protect myself if/when she files. I mean, should I not put any money in my savings account? I have a $6,000 check I am hesitant to deposit. Am I responsible for the debts she is getting into? Just any good advice would be appreciated.

Also, this lawyer is $250 an hour <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> , Gheeesh. Is that about normal? I'm in Florida.

Thanks all, man I hate this,
CJ

My attorney charges $250/hour so I think that's pretty standard. I would tell your attorney your situation (as quickly as possible because the time is being charged), and then tell him/her what you want (i.e., to protect your kids, maintain your current lifestyle, protect your assets, remain collaborative with your spouse, whatever). At that point, just listen to what the expert has to say. Ask them about depositing the $ into the account. They'll tell you what is in your best interest based upon what you've told them already. Hang in there. Seeing my attorney the first time was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. But it was also one of the most important. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

CJ,

I am not a legal advisor but you are on a fact finding mission with your options. So don't sign anything until you are ready to do so. There are several with FL lawyer experience out there (fishracer and TR). See if they along with others can give you some guidelines.

Isn't FL a no fault state? If so, it doesn't matter when you cash that check does it? You may will still owe 1/2 to her. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> Check out your options.

Take care,
L.

Orchid's right. Just state your position & desires. Your att'y will advise you accordingly. Ask Att'y about the check; but I do not think it matters. $250/hour is about average. Mine was slightly more, but also spent more than an hour w/me. Honesty to your att'y is paramount! Good Luck.

FR

Thank you all for your thoughts as well as the good luck wishes. I know he's not gonna have much good news for me. Ya know, this really sucks, after all the crap I have been through, (that SHE has put me though) I am not done losing yet. What a mess my life has become.

Thanks again to all of you,
CJ

The guy I talked to gave the first session free. He didn't charge because he wanted to know the story and if it was something he could help with. Does your person give a first freebie?

No, no freebies <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

Well, that didn't go too well (with the attorney). I expected things would have been better due to the time she has been on her own.

She will likely get the boys. My 14 year old is not biologically mine, but my entire family consider him just that. We have never used the term "step". I would give my life for him without hesitation. He said that the court will not seperate the two.

In addition, she will get her "Share" of the business, house, IRA, all that I built. All but the IRA I had before she was in the picture. I had the house and the business for over ten years before we were married!

On top of that, I may have to pay permanent alimony!

I give up. I don't know what to do. And ya know what, I would give up all those monitary things if I could just have my family back, to have her back. I love her. GOD, I am pathetic <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />