Hoping someone may be able to help as googling how to divorce has my head in a spin, and I can't afford a solicitor.
I separated from my abusive husband 11 years ago. We have 4 DC together (aged 17,14 and 13). I have little contact with him, he sees Dc's very sporadically and pays bare minimum as on benefits (£12 a week for all 3).
I have never got around to divorcing him for a number of reasons but mainly the money needed for it - I'm on a low wage that is topped up with tax credits. However, I realise that it now needs to be done.
We have no joint assets, I have always rented. He was always self employed and had a private pension, but I have no details on that. I was always adamant that I didn't want any of his money, including his pension, but now I am thinking this may be a mistake - he didn't' like me working much, so I have little pension put by myself - this worries me now as I am 51 and my health is not great. He has just told me he is planning on cashing in some of his pension now he is 55. My questions are:
is there any help available for me to file for divorce (no savings and no way I can raise the £500 plus needed?
If I ask for a share of his pension and he refuses, can I contest this without a solicitor, and would doing so also cost money (that I don't have?
I bought myself a car and the DC's a caravan with inheritance money I got 4 years ago (9 years after we separated) - would he have a claim on these?
We were married for 9 years and have now been separated for 11 years if that matters. If relevant - he was very abusive throughout the marriage (to me and DC's), some of this is documented due to police reports.
I'd be really grateful for some advice if possible please? He tried to get money from my inheritance a while back, and I am also worried that the same would happen if something happened to me.