Is it right that I should pay all legal costs

[conway]

I have filed for divorce and finally after 2 months he has agreed the divorce and seen a solicitor.
He will only let the divorce proceed if I pay all legal expenses. I am very worried as could be very expensive. Also my solicitor is suggesting a collaborative and mediation process. I would like to talk to my solicitor about this but don't want a big bill. Any advise please.

[Cristina27022008]

I am going through the divorce myself and I am doing most of the paper works. If you agree in everything. You do not need a lawyer. You could do it yourself. Is not that hard. After you can go to the citizen advice to have a look at your papers and give you some advice

[PurpleWithRed]

He can't stop the divorce from proceeding, but unfortunately divorce means you have to negotiate with the person you are getting divorced from. If he doesn't want the divorce he can make things extremely difficult and you can get trapped into it being very expensive.

I ended up paying 90% of our divorce costs. Yes it does rankle, but it was the only way to get the job done.

Make sure you only spend money on stuff that's worth it: the most important things are financial security and being away from him. Don't pander to him faffing around nitpicking: play hardball.

[conway]

Thanks,looks like I will have to pay,but will be worthwhile in the end.

[WellWhoKnew]

What's been explained to me is 'each side bears their own costs', however, occasionally you can ask for a judge to take 'conduct' into account, for example, the odious little man in my life refused to supply Form E until after the MPS suit, and so he was ordered to pay the costs of litigation for that day. This was totally unexpected, and even my solicitor was astounded.

As per court fees, you can tick a box seeking the respondent pays the costs, but usually they don't get awarded.

Whatever happens do NOT agree to paying his legal costs unless you can afford them, because that means he can spend his days drinking tea with his solicitor all at your expense.

He cannot stop you pursuing divorce, he can contest it, but the chances of him succeeding are very, very, very small. If he hasn't signed the acknowledgement of service, then have it served by the court (cost around 80 pounds), then proceed with your divorce.

If you haven't already, get a copy of Gordon & Slater's: Family Law Made Simple - I found it invaluable to help me figure out what it was all about.

Take care.

[Diagonally]

No its not, don't agree to it.