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.