Can you borrow money from your mom or dad, an IRA, something, for a good lawyer? Someone in my family got divorced and the total cost for the lawyer when it was all said and done was about $7,000 but some of the total came from some of the assets that had to be transferred to split things evenly. However, if their is a child custody battle that would be more expensive but if you H (?) has no money, it will make more sense for his finances not to fight against what is customary. If your H is a fighter and knows how to push your buttons, having a lawyer will save money in the long run. They usually need at least $1,000 to get started....If you can research your rights (try googling what the state laws are for splitting assets/alimony/child visitation)--maybe even read some of the state laws, they usually can be found at your state's government website. Knowledge is power...Are you totally sure you both are really splitting? If he has no money, how is he going to rent an apartment? Perhaps he has hidden assets.....