Emergency: What are the Financial responsibilities of my Sponsor?

[leoidiarte 2]

Hello Guys,

I was not sure when to post this so I ended up posting here on CR1 (as I am a CR already living in the U.S).

Well, Im going through rough times in my life and getting a divorce was not in my plans and it has been very sad and difficult.

I find myself in a difficult financial situation, I had to leave home and the sharing of goods has not yet happened. I do not have a job that pays me well yet so I need financial aid. I wonder: is possible to do something for her parents (my sponsor) help me pay my lawyer? Since we have a daughter and she's preventing me to see her (no reason than resentment) I am worried about what she can do and going PRO SE on this matter is not a good idea.

Thanks a lot!

[JohnR! 5,495]

Your sponsors are only responsible for federal tested means benefits you may receive. Since there is a child involved in the divorce, not getting a lawyer ins't an option in your case. It's not a DIY process unfortunately. good luck.

[leoidiarte 2]

Your sponsors are only responsible for federal tested means benefits you may receive. Since there is a child involved in the divorce, not getting a lawyer ins't an option in your case. It's not a DIY process unfortunately. good luck.

I read online that I could in somehow make them help or pay for attorneys if i show that i dont have no money to pay for one.

[JohnR! 5,495]

No you can't. That's not what 'sponsor' in this case represents. Check with local organizations or your state BAR association if you can get a pro-bono lawyer to file the paperwork for you. It's really not to complicated but since you guys have a child you will need help with the legalese.

I read online that I could in somehow make them help or pay for attorneys if i show that i dont have no money to pay for one.

[Boiler 43,433]

If you are at a shelter perhaps they could point you in the right direction for good legal advise?

[novedsac 355]

Other than the I864, the parents have no responsibility towards you or your child, or even your wife for that matter

Securing funds under the I864 is going to be an arduous uphill process, even if it can be done.

You would be better served using the tools available in the divorce process. File a motion in Court requesting temporary spousal support whilst the divorce is proceeding. Your income/expenses relative to her income/expenses will be what drives the outcome here, along with whomever has physical custody of the child. You can also file a motion for custody and/or visitation with the child. Motions at the start of the divorce will set the landscape (who lives where, who has assess to various marital assets, rules of access to children, etc.) while you proceed through the process. As far as money explicitly for legal fees - you can ask, but it's a ####### shoot as to whether it is granted up front; usually the issue of legal fees is resolved as part of the settlement.

As noted above, divorce with a child involved is not a DIY process. You need to find an attorney your comfortable with. And keep your expectations reasonable.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Only being married for a short time there may be little to no "sharing of goods"

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits forum.

[SAT 9,609]

She can make you pay child support.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

TBH divorces can be done without a lawyer with children involved. Is it ideal? No but it can be done. My fiance's ex self repped in their divorce including a child. If you're set on getting one, get a second job. Nobody owes you anything.

[Cathi 5,610]

Your sponsor has zero financial responsibility to you. The I-864 is a contract between the sponsor and the US government, not between the sponsor and you.

[Boiler 43,433]

In this case the wife is the sponsor, he is talking about joint sponsors, any action would be first against his wife.

[VOL 425]

She can make you pay child support.

And he can return to his country and it will not be enforced....

[VOL 425]

TBH divorces can be done without a lawyer with children involved. Is it ideal? No but it can be done. My fiance's ex self repped in their divorce including a child. If you're set on getting one, get a second job. Nobody owes you anything.

Agreed. If he does a divorce with a child and he does not have a lawyer then he will be eaten alive in court. Seen it a few time first hand.

Spend what you have or don't have, there are many family lawyers who work for free if you don't have funds.

I would use the I 864 as a threat against your wife and their family, It may work it may not......

[madtownguy 164]

Someone does something nice for you and you want to make money from it. This is my problem with the sponsorship thing, other than providing a ticket back to your home country I don't know what else someone can expect out of it. Getting money out of someone even after a judgement has been ordered in court is extremely difficult. The best move is to get multiple jobs if you want to stay and see your child, or work things out. You will spend more time, money and energy trying to get something from someone else than you could get by yourself. People complain there isn't enough money to make in the U.S. But it's a place where with almost no investment you can start a house cleaning company and make easily over $25/hr. That would be what I would do if I had no business contacts and no job.