Can I put a temporary freeze on my divorce if I can’t afford to pay my attorney fees?
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Can I put a temporary freeze on my divorce if I can’t afford to pay my attorney fees?
Asked on September 20, 2015 under Family Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Are you the one who filed for divorce? If so, you can most likely do this, even if you may need to get the consent agreement of your spouse, or possibly may have to voluntarily dismiss the case "without prejudice" and refile it later. Check with the court before doing anything. The person who brings a divorce action has a high degree, especially in the earlier stages, of control over the progress of the case.
If your spouse filed for divorce, however, unless he or she voluntarily agrees to a delay or suspension of the case, you will most likely not be able to do this being unable to pay your attorney is your problem, not your spouse's, and you can't force him/her to stay married longer by delaying the case because you are having financial difficulties.
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