@lifeisbeautiful, Without going into the merits of your situation, here is some advice on the specific question that you have asked regarding fees for filing a maintenance application:
It appears that you can write reasonable well, at least enough to file an application for maintenance. Therefore, do not retain an advocate. Write an application yourself, file it and litigate it, all on your own. There are many advantages to doing this, least of which is that you save monies. Following are the steps to follow:
a. Write an application with the appropriate title such as "Application for Maintenance U/S....." or "Application for Interim Maintenance U/S ...." (U/S refers to Under Section). Have the following information in it, under appropriate headings: Matrimony History, Status of Husband, Your current status, Why you are not able to maintain yourself. The key is "why you are not able to maintain yourself." Write details on attempts you made to get a job, your current expenses, etc.
b. Go to the Family Court, meet the Registrar or whoever is in charge. Inform them about your intent. They will explain the procedure to you. Bring a few copies along with you.
c. A petition number will be assigned. A date will be set for the first hearing after the application is served on your husband.
d. That's it... you are on the roll. You will figure the rest yourself along the way. He will file a response or a Written Statement. You can file a rejoinder (I think) which is your reply to his response. There may be trial, witnesses, affidavits, cross-examinations, etc. Finally, there will be arguments. Make sure you present arguments in writing and refer to some Judgments.
I LIKE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REPRESENT THEMSELVES IN LEGAL CASES. ONCE YOU GET A HANG OF THE PROCEDURE, YOU WILL BE VERY CONFIDENT IN THE FUTURE TO HANDLE YOUR OTHER CASES TO. GOOD LUCK!!!