Divorce advice

[Confusedfedup]

I've seperated from my DH and moved out two months ago and he still lives in the family home. He cheated. I want to start divorce proceedings.

We have no children but do have assets. We own a house together and acquired investment properties during the marriage which are in his name - he gave various reasons for this at the time and i didnt take issue. The properties wont have much equity and their value is not that high. He also owns two houses since before our marriage.

We earn similar amounts now and i want a fair share and want to put a suggestion on the table. Should I still need to see a solicitor or avoid costs and do it ourselves, of course depending on whether he plays fair also.

Any recommendations London-based solicitors?

See a solicitor.

I can't emphasise that enough.

I'm getting divorced and he would have run rings round me. He is paying all my legal fees.

We went to mediation first and agreed a lot, but with hindsight things have moved much faster with a solicitor. I feel secure having an expert on my side.

Thanks! I do want things to move quickly. Do I need a solicitor or a barrister, or both?

A solicitor I think. That's all I have - and she is fab. Ask around for a recommendation. (We're in the NW so no good to you I'm afraid).

Get a solicitor now and they will suggest a barrister if required later on. You need to get someone you trust, don't worry about interviewing a few to make sure you are completely happy.

Get a solicitor everytime. Totally worth it.
You'll only need a barrister if going to court and in that case your solicitors tend to find one based on the details of your individual case.

You may also want to consider mediation (hell of a lot cheaper) plus costs are split between the both of you.

As an aside the fact that he cheated is neither here nor there when it comes to financial settlements. All it means is that you can file against him citing 'unreasonable behaviour'. Unfortunately finances are a totally separate bucket to his behaviour. You need family lawyers who are specialists in property division as opposed to cases involving children (which are my lot).