New here and looking for some advice

[JPenner]

I was married for 8 years. My ex was a constant cheater throughout our entire relationship and finally two and a half years ago I had enough and left him. We had a son together, which he has retained custody of as I had moved to Ottawa.

My ex insisted on getting a separation agreement which I felt was unnecessary as we were living apart for over a year, but his lawyer insisted that he get this done. He had then promised that since I had to pay money for a lawyer that I did not have he would cover the costs of the divorce.

Now he can't as he has lost his job and is only getting employment from a temp agency. I am presently on EI benefits while I wait for my school to start and can't afford a lawyer at this time to file for divorce. As well his lawyer told him that only he can file for divorce as it would have to go through the Manitoba courts due to my son living in Manitoba.

I don't know if this is true or not as I can't find the answer anywhere online and trust me I have searched. I just need to get this done and over with as it is hanging over my head like I can't move forward till it is done.

We have the separation papers completed right down to child support etc etc. But I really don't know what the next step is?

[JPenner]

I have just found out that the court costs in Manitoba are way cheaper than here in Ottawa. However my ex is hell bent on paying his lawyer a ton of money that is not really needed. He claims that it would cost just to file in the ball park of $400 when it's really $155. Here it IS over $400. I am just so frustrated it's like he doesn't want me to have my freedom. I just don't know what to do anymore.

This has been going on for well over 2 years.

[representingself]

Hey

I don't really have an answer for you, but I read your post and didn't want you to feel ignored.

Don't worry about how much your ex is paying, apparently he's running this show....

You can try to contact legal aid, to see if you qualify for some assistance with legal fees. Otherwise, you can go to your local family Law Information Center for free "basic" legal advice. You will probably want to at least talk to someone before you sign anything. And you can find out if it is true that the divorce HAS to be filed in Manitoba, (although because the child lives there, that sounds reasonable).

Anyway, it is not nice if you as a question, and people read it but no one replies.

Good luck 2 you