Hi I have been married for 19 years but separated from my husband for almost 15. We have a daughter who is 18. We have had no contact with him for about 9 or 10 years. The last time we saw him he was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital in our area and when his family took him back home (Chicago) he was readmitted to the Veterans Hospital. In our last phone conversation he was very vague with personal information but I came to the conclusion that he was still in his hometown and was not working but receiving disability benefits. He was contacted once by a lawyer but we have heard nothing since. Due to continued financial hardships I have always put divorce on the backburner but am now ready to end this chapter in my life. What I would like to know is what is the best course of action for me to take in approaching a lawyer? I would like to get this resolved with a minimum of stress and expense and do not want to be taken for a ride with fees, etc. Thank you in advance

Only a good lawyer can give you advise on the best/easiest/fastest/cheapest way to resolve this dilemma. Many times the first visit is no charge, so pick one and go foreword.

There is no way to tell until its over how its going to go. There could be lots of hidden issues going. Also if he is / was on disability did someone file so your daughter got a benefit from it too ?
What did you use to file taxes all these years ? What status ?