How to Pay Divorce Attorney Fees when Spouse Controls Money
Divorce in itself is a difficult phase, and the lack of money to fund your Toronto divorce lawyer fees can make it more difficult. This happens when one spouse controls the family's finances. At such times, the other spouse may not have access to the family's monetary resources. During a legal separation process, the person who has not had any control over the money will find it difficult to meet expenses related to the divorce proceedings. So, in such a case, how do you pay your attorney's fees when you don't have adequate funds?
Some options that spouses have when faced with such a situation:
- The first option that a person has in such a situation is to borrow money from a lender or a family member. It is important to note that even though you borrow money, you may not get access to enough cash to pay more than the lawyer's retainer fees. So when you meet your lawyer, speak to him about your financial situation and the fact that you have had to borrow money to pay retainer fees.
- If you don't have enough funds at your disposal to pay lawyer fees, you can request for interim Toronto divorce lawyer fees. You have to tell the court why you have requested for interim attorney fees. The judge may look for an income source that can be directed to you or suggest other ways.
- In a situation where interim fees are not granted by the judge, you may still be granted other options by the judge, by way of which you will be able to pay the attorney's fees. Sometimes the judge may give temporary orders that will grant you temporary spousal and child support options. In addition to this, the judge may request your spouse not sell community or joint assets- temporarily. Also, the judge may ask for both your spouse's and your financial information. If the judge deems that your spouse controls all your financial assets, then he may direct your spouse to give you money so you can pay your attorney's fees or at least pay a part of it.
- You can also talk to your Toronto divorce lawyer about how your spouse wields control over finances. So, if you have filed for some money to be transferred to you in the divorce proceeding, then your divorce attorney will be able to tell you whether the sum of money will be awarded to you. The attorney will then estimate whether the amount that may be granted to you will cover his fees and serve as an asset for you in the future as well. If the estimate shows positive figures, then he will take up your case.
It is advisable that you communicate your financial constraints to your Toronto divorce lawyer from the outset. This way, your attorney will be able to guide you through the financial crisis and the divorce proceedings in the best way possible.
