I was in an emotionally abusive marriage. I left him a year ago. It's been a hellish legal battle since then. He was a heavy drinker. But sued for custody, took a weekend job, pulled the wool over the judge's eyes and won. I only see my kids on the weekends.
That's not enough. At first filing for equitable distribution of property now thinks I owe him for the car (he let his own get reposessed despite my attempts to work out a financial plan with him) He thinks I'm not entitled to a penny of his 401k. He thinks he's entitled to my 401k that I withdrew and spent most of (on his education) before we broke up. Thinks I should pay him the half anyway. If I don't do what he says, is threatening to sue me for his court costs and might take me back to domestic relations for more child support and possibly spousal support/alimony even though he's more than capable of supporting himself.
That said I spent more than $20k on the custody battle. I still owe my lawyer $2300 that I don't have. I can't afford to pay him anymore. The money is gone. I'm unemployed and what jobs I'm able to get... when I get them... don't give me enough to cover additional legal help. Yet I'm above the poverty level.
What do I do? He's abusing me through the courts and I have no way to protect myself. How to I go back to court over what should be an easy task (equitable distribution) when I can't afford counsel? Should I suck it up and give him what he wants hoping he "lets" me on some type of payment plan? Give him money that he doesn't deserve? Or take my chances that maybe he's bluffing... and if he's not reap the consequences of possibly more costs incurred by losing the fight over legal fees?
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How do I protect myself when the money is gone?
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