when does support kick in

[freetobeme]

I am in CA. I have my papers filed and was given a guidleine of the process. I know that we have to have a mediator which the court provides, but they are just for child custody issues here in my county. What I can't figure out, and I've asked my lawyer, but I'm still confused...is when child support and spousal support kicks in. It looks to me like it wouldn't start until after our first court appearance which is about 3 months away.
Sooo, if I need to move out and get support before then what do I do? I think I can file for emergency support, but isn't that more costly and a hassle? I have no money and I'm dealing with a volitile stbx.

[Lee Borden]

Every court system I've ever gotten to know has a system for temporary support while divorce litigation is pending. I bet yours does too. Yes, if you're paying your lawyer by the hour it will cost a bit more, but I would think it would be critical in an adversarial divorce. Otherwise, your STBX has an strong temptation to use the dole as a source of negotiating power over you.