He's asking me to pay half his legal fees

[buttercup]

We have been married since July 2007, I moved out in feb 2009, no children, no property, no debts that i know of, I am unemployed, he has been earning 60K per year.

He has served me papers asking me to pay half his attorney's fees also Equitable distribution of everything.Can he make me pay it even if I am unemployed?

I live out of state,do I have to attend court hearing?

What will happen if I chose not to give a reply to his papers

Thank you.

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

It is very, very important that you file and serve him with a Response to the Petition for Dissolution. If you do not file a response within 20 days of being served with divorce papers, he may be able to obtain a Default (in essence get everything he is asking for).

When people file for divorce they typically will ask for everything including the "kitchen sink." That is what he or his attorney is doing by requesting you contribute to his attorney's fees.

You should file an Answer and Counter Petition and request that he provide spousal support and/or attorney's fees for you if you are unemployed and he has been supporting you the last few years. You may or may not get this but you should try to protect your rights by filing the appropriate documents.

You may be able to ask the court to appear by telephone if you cannot make it to a hearing. You will need to speak with the clerk of court.

Attorney Cheri Hobbs