Is there actually anything I can do or do I have to just sit it out?

[numbbrain]

My STBXH has been dragging his heels over our divorce. I started proceedings 13 months ago after he left. He has been gone 2.5 years and left to have some space/get some perspective. After a year and not so much as a "lets meet for a drink and discuss where we are" I needed to get on with my life.

Then discovered he actually left to pursue a relationship with OW.

We have been through mediation, form e etc and my solicitor has sent his solicitor a proposal for splitting the finances.

He will not see his solicitor and has told me that he will not be accepting it. I have asked him to tell me via his solicitor what his proposal would be.

He says there's no point paying a solicitor to draw up something that I will probably not accept.

In that case, can I just get my solicitor to book a court date for a judge to decide.

Isn’t there also arbitration as a step before court? It’s legally binding, I think.

Thanks - I haven;t heard of that. Is it different to mediation?

I found mediation useless, as all they did was write up on a flipchart what we told them. They can;t give pointers etc

All I’ve read is that arbitration is a bit like mediation but with lawyers present who argue your case with you and thrash it out. It’s a step before court and recognised by the court as binding. I don’t know any more as have not got there yet.

sounds interesting.

My solicitor did suggest that we meet with him and his solicitor to come to an agreement to avoid court.

I am in exactly the same position as you. I'm trying to get hold of my somewhat useless solicitor to see what my options are.
I thought we would be completely divorced by now but because he has dragged his heels I'm not and it's really knocked me this week.

Value everything and document everything particularly at point of marriage and point of seperation.

Create a table showing everything.

Go from there.

Lawyers are expensive and thrive on acrimony.

Create a timeline of events and a table of pre and post marriage assets.