Separated in Canada, Want to Marry American

[Peter]

I separated from my wife in Canada in September 2001. I have a separation agreement which requires that I pay her $1/month (I became bankrupt going through the separation, I settled by giving her the house since most of my half of the house would have gone to the lawyers anyhow as this think was dragged out as my bills were up to $90,000). I moved to the U.S. 4 years ago and am working here legally. I met an American woman, an absolutely wonderful woman, that I want to marry. I used a lawyer back in Canada to apply for a non-contested divorce. It cost be $1200. My wife had 30 days to respond after being served. She responded via her lawyer (same one) on the 29th day saying no that she wants spousal support although I had not received any correspondence from her or her lawyer up to this point. I am not well off financially or health-wise. I do not qualify for legal aid in Canada since I do not live there. I cannot afford to fly back (hotels and flight) and I certainly cannot afford to hire a lawyer (first quote is $250/hour, estimate $10,000 to resolve the matter). What a mess! Does this mean that I am stuck in this state for the rest of my days?