Fredon, NJ Divorce Law Firms & Lawyers

I would say that it is seldom or never to late to talk with an attorney and hire one if you need assistance. That is what we are for, and what we do. Oftentimes it is better to hire an attorney sooner instead of later, but even if things have become "messed up" an attorney can usually make the situation better. One of the definitions of insanity is repeating the same thing and expecting a different result so if things are messed up when you started going pro se then it would seem that you should proceed in a different manner. This would be especially well-advised if your spouse has an attorney and is taking advantage of a pro se layman.

In order to accurately answer this question, I would need to read the terms of your specific settlement agreement as that document would explain what the triggering events would be to modify or terminate your alimony obligation. However, if your agreement indicates that cohabitation is a triggering event, then you would have to prove that she lives with this person and that this individual is contributing financially to her needs to the degree that her alimony needs are reduced. This would all have to be done via filing a motion with the court and many times, a private investigator is utilized to try to prove the cohabitation. Typically, this is not an easy motion to succeed on as it can be difficult to prove the financial contribution by this individual to your ex spouse's needs, but I hope this helps answer your question.

You can ask the court for pre-divorce relief - its called pendente lite relief.  You will be able to get an order early in the divorce that will allow you to ask for rental assistance, child support etc. before you get divorced.