Joy, I am sooo sorry for your situation. Your husband should have to provide some support for you at this time. I understand what you are saying about the expense of an attorney. I fired one part way through because of only fair (if that) representation. The other ladies had some ideas for places to go to ask for help. I have read stories on this site from other ladies whose spouses abandoned them at their time of greatest need-if not physically, emotionally. They, too, had cancer. These women are survivors and you will be too! Fight, fight, fight for what you need. While it is of no help to you right now, your husband will some day get what he deserves for abandoning you. Prayers are sent your way. Please let us know how you're doing. Hugs.

Joy, I will keep you in my prayers too.
My husband abandoned me & it was severe, not just once but numerous times in all. I can relate in many ways to what you are going through. My family is nearby & were supportive (thank GOD).
I'm all set up again & situated but most certainly devasted because of what was left on my plate.
Like your ex, mine is abusive, has a history of marriage & divorce/cheating/lying etc.
My thoughts are now, what comes around goes around, he'll get his due when God Judges.
You say you have cancer, do you qualify for hospice (I'm thinking for some support that can come to you)?
Is there any way you would qualify for government housing/ a retirement community? You might call a # of churches in the area as well.
I consider myself pretty resourceful when I need things done (I enjoy looking for resource information) & since my ex has been gone I continue to uncover new information.. so don't give up..
some towns have homebound meal delivery or places that elderly/disabled meet for lunch, etc.
The agency on aging in your area could be another contact, for resource information/ Just let them know you are looking for info.
I loved my husband, but I still sit some days in shock at what transpired.. disbelief.
Yes, there is support here & also many stories that are devastating... you're not alone.
I think I've posted this here before but
phone companies/ electric companies/ doctors & hospitals usually have financial help for those who qualify. What about tax money, could you file early via a tax company or state & electronic to get some money for food. I pray you can get some immediate repreive.
I know my husband loved me. But he has no business being married (obviously), as he left me high & dry & seems to be on this path througout life.
It is very sad.
will pray for you.. keep in touch here if you can (as others mentioned).

Thank you. I have contacted various agencies. They are all overloaded because of the economy, with people being out of work and needing assistance.

I think there should be a law to protect sick and disabled spouses in case their husband or wife abandons them. Mine especially because he makes enough money to take care of me even if he doesn't want to live with me. He is just being selfish and he has thrown me away and dumped me on social services. Its just not right.

I posted my story on another website and got reply's like "You can't expect the taxpayers to take care of you". "You can't make him stay with you"

I don't want him to stay with me, I can't stand to look at his lying cheating face, but he should be responsible for taking care of me.

Joy

Hi there,

I'm really not good at giving advice, but I thought that you can request alimony in a divorce, right? I don't think you need a lawyer for that... I could be wrong.

I'm sorry for the way people are treating you, including him. You just need support right now. I don't know why he is acting like that, but maybe he is just scared. But think about it, when you recover everything will be all better.

It sounds like you have a home, so it's more financial assistance..
You are considered separated as to getting assistance for some things the move out date of the spouse (in my state this is the law).
If you haven't, check out if you qualify for electric & phone assistance.
many hospitals also have programs that they do not advertise, for financial assistance/ same with the doctor's that are associated with them.
Aging agencies often have their resource books online with much information..
I think it's federal, the, homestead taxes, & food sales tax, for elderly/disabled (again maybe you could file right away & electronically).
As to filing for divorce, it's best to get an attorney however, if one has to, it is possible to do so, pro se.
You can get info online through the court website.
I think I have heard advice here that one might trying calling an attorney to see if they would be willing to take a case pro bono.
There's legal aid, but that usually still costs.
If you can? Maybe just try to get yourself grounded, then deal one step at a time with the divorce proceedings.. or at least get some counsel, even battered women's as he left you high & dry..
I will pray for you!
Hugs.