[Deborah]

My husband has filed for divorce and we've been separated since June, 2003. He's not provided any support for me or my three children. I can't afford an attorney. Any free resources available on what I need to do? I've responded to the suit, but he's filed for joint custody and my children do not want to live with him. I don't know what procedures to follow! Many thanks for your help.

[Heidi_Hogan]

I was in a similar situation but I was the one to file for divorce. Main factors you should look at are
1. Who made more money?
2. Who spent the most time with the children?
3. What lifestyle are you used to having?
4. How old are the children?
5. Do the kids have any emotional needs more met by one parent than the other?
6. What are the grounds for the divorce?
A lot of these questions are of utmost importance when counterfiling. If he will end up leaving the kids with daycare more often than being with them due to a job than you would, THAT MATTERS! Your kids need to feel loved and not feel abandoned through all of this. Most importantly, you must always refrain from negativity in the court room and in front of the children and keep their best interest at heart. The parent displaying the most compassion for the children's needs will reap the rewards 10 fold!

Good luck!