The price of divorce

[Minxie]

Hi all. Having been separated for 6 years, I started divorce proceedings (this was 2 years ago!) mainly because we had been separated for so long, and also because my ex said he didnt want to pay for the divorce, that being the only reason he did not start the proceedings. Throughout the 2 years its taken, (ex did not get a solicitor) (too mean) everything has been done via my solicitor. We had mediation, even though most financial heavy stuff had been sorted out mutually between us. Today I had to see the solicitor yet again, to be told the ex still has not completed the forms completely. And told me the divorce was now going to cost several hundreds. I am gobsmacked. I am eligible for legal aid. But seems unfair that I have to pay such a huge amount. Which I do not have, as I am bringing up our 4 children by myself. Any advice appreciated.

[halfadaily]

Hi Minxie, there is a site on msn dedicated to divorce with lots of information and the opportunity to post questions on it. www.ondivorce.co.uk

Divorce can be a legal, and emotional minefield. I hope you get the advice you need.

Richard

[Minxie]

Thanks Richard, not sure any advice would help me now, as divorce is almost completed. But will go on the site you recommended. Thank you.

[Minxie]

p.s contradicted myself a bit there as I came on here asking for advice. Meant advice leading up to my divorce was probably too late now.

[acorn]

But why do you have to pay anything if you are entitled to legal aid. I am filing for my decree nisi now and am claiming legal aid. When i filled in the forms at the start of the petition they told me i wan entitled within 10 days and do not have to pay any of the costs.

[acorn]

Just a footnote, the only thing im actually probably going to have to pay for is a consent order preventing my hopefully not long now soon to be ex husband from claiming back on the house should he fail to pay his loans. And even this im hoping to apply for legal aid for,

[lady_p_gold]

But don't you have to pay back the legal aid when you get your settlement ?????? All I can say Minxie is good luck with the legal aid, but if your lawyer says it will cost hundreds then he must be one hell of a lawyer both my friends have recently got divorced and their legal bills were in excess of �20,000 each

[Minxie]

Thank you for your replies. I realised after I had written this, that maybe I was just letting off steam, and there was not really a lot of advice that could be given to me. Lady-p-gold. It was a very straightforward divorce. There was no settlement, as we had between us 8 years ago sorted out the housing etc for himself and me and the children. The only payment I will get from the divorce is �1,000. Which mediation agreed he should pay as a "one off" payment for the children for life.. I think we are talking a different kind of divorce here from the ones you mentioned. But thanks anyway for replying.

[acorn]

I dont have any kind of settlement from my divorce. The house wasnt anything to do with the divorce so it doesnt come into play. My other half says if the csa come after him or anything then he will simply give up his job - charming man!

Your friends must have had one heck of a divorce if both bills were so high! If its a striaghtforward fairly amicable sort of divorce (or as friendly as divorce can get) it shouldnt cost such a hefty amount. It only starts going up if you have to have someone represent you in court - and then charges can rocket. Most charge around �150 per hour with around 1/10th of this per itemised thing they do - ie a letter, photocopy, phonecall.