Hi
Just been through a traumatic divorce during which I took ex to court over finances. Luckily we settled at the second hearing, and things are on their way to being almost completely resolved. The financial remedy costs were mine, because though ex did increase them a lot by being difficult, lying, not responding, having to be prompted many times for the same info etc., not thinking we had to get valuations done until we were ordered to (I couldn't get them done at that stage because almost all the assets were in his name only) etc... he didn't in the end behave so unreasonably that a costs order was made against him.
Now, however, he is contesting having to pay the costs of the divorce itself, which since the petition was for unreasonable behaviour, he would be liable for. This bill is infinitesimally small in comparison to my financial remedy bill. So he has referred the matter back to the court, and there is going to be a 15 minute hearing next month.
My solicitor suggests that she write to the court explaining the situation exactly, and she thinks that I have a good chance of "winning". She knows I don't want to go alone, and to go with representation would defeat the object as that would cost more than the bill which is being disputed.
So my question is - is this common - for a letter to be written to the court? If the letter reaches the court in time (which it should do), might the hearing be cancelled completely? If not, will the fact that I am not there prejudice the Judge against me? I know that ex will invent all kinds of stuff there and then during those 15 minutes, and there will be nobody from "my side" to counter what he says.
Ex has in the past said that we should split this bill - he says "what about your unreasonable behaviour" hmm. Should I go back to him and suggest this again, or just stand my ground because he has been very difficult and unpleasant... Stand my ground but run the risk of having to pay the whole bill (though not his costs).
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Divorce/separation
Not going to a divorce costs hearing - would it count against me?
10 replies
wondering1101 · 26/10/2018 12:01
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