I may not be able to pay my attorney as I’m running out of money….

Not normally. However, if your spouse earns enough money to pay for both lawyers, or if there are marital assets (e.g. bank accounts, investments, or retirement funds) that can be used to pay attorney’s fees, then your attorney may be able to file a petition asking the court to either force your spouse to pay your attorney’s fees, or to allow you to pay your attorney’s fees by liquidating a marital asset.

Karen A. Covy, J.D. is a divorce attorney and family law mediator in Chicago Illinois . She is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends, How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially and Legally.