Finding A Divorce Lawyer

Summary

Consult a lawyer about your entitlement to a portion of your husbands retirement/pension plan. In California, spouses may be entitled to a portion of each others retirement/pension plans accrued during the marriage.

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Barbara
Nice to meet you, Barbara. Could you please describe the legal issue you're facing?
I need help with a divorce
What specific issues are you facing with your divorce, Barbara? Are there children or property involved?
Everything
I'm sorry to hear that, Barbara. Are there any specific areas such as child custody, alimony, or division of property where you need guidance?
Children are grown, we are still legally married (32 years) even tho I left in *. Moved back in, in * and moved back out in *. I have been going back to the marital ho. E a couple times a year since I left staying *- 4 months each time. We have a marital home to divide and basically his retirement/pension. We have already agreed on everything else
What is the current status of your husband's retirement/pension plan and have you discussed how it will be divided?

In California:
- Community property laws apply, which means all assets acquired during marriage are split */*.
- The marital home and pension are considered community property.
He does not want me to have ANY of his retirement. However I had a VERY good job I would have retired from when we got married. I was working for Pacific Gas and Electric company. A Permanent employee. When I left him I got my job back but not as a permanent employee but a hiring hall employee. They fased out my position so since I was not a permanent employee I could not cross over to another position and essential lost job. That was in June of * and I was making * an hour
Have you consulted with a lawyer about your entitlement to a portion of your husband's retirement/pension plan?

In California:
- Spouses may be entitled to a portion of each other's retirement/pension plans accrued during the marriage.
Our divorce is NOT in California
Could you please specify the state where your divorce proceedings are taking place?
It is in Illinois. I currently live in california
In Illinois:
- Equitable distribution laws apply, meaning assets are divided fairly, not necessarily */*.
- Retirement benefits accrued during marriage are marital property.
Have you consulted an Illinois-based lawyer?
No I do not have a lawyer but he does. Im looking for one. I flew out to Illinois in Sept and thot we had agreed on everything but the night I left he said he was gonna let his lawyer handle everything. I stay in the marital home and have ever since I left. Tho we have not had anything but a semi cordial relationship since I left. And yes I know Illinois is not * * I just want it to b fair for both of us
What steps have you taken so far to find a lawyer in Illinois?

In Illinois:
- You can contact the Illinois State Bar Association for lawyer referrals.
- Their contact number is (*) *-*.
Just on line...
In Illinois, you can also use the Illinois Legal Aid Online service for lawyer referrals. Their contact number is (*) *-*. Have you tried this service?
No I have not. I did get my fees waived due to my income tho
That's good to hear, Barbara. Have you considered using legal aid services in Illinois for your divorce proceedings? They can provide free or low-cost legal assistance.
No... I hate to think this, but aren't legal aide attorneys, attorneys that aren't really that good.?
That's a common misconception, Barbara. Legal aid attorneys are fully qualified and often have extensive experience in their field. Have you tried contacting any legal aid services in Illinois?
No I'll try them. I just am afraid a legal aide attorney is going to be over worked and underpaid like social workers are in my town and ALOT of things slip thru the cracks bcuz of this.
What is the name of your town in Illinois? I can provide you with the contact details of the nearest legal aid services.
Ofallon
In O'Fallon, Illinois, you can contact Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. Their contact number is (*) *-*. They provide free legal services to low-income individuals.