Defended divorce?

[Borris]

STBXH has responded to my divorce petition for unreasonable behaviour stating he’s planning to defend.

We’ve been living apart for nearly 2 years

He also states he wants me to pay all the costs!! Can he do this?

He doesn’t have a solicitor. I do.

I understand he has 21d to explain why he’s defending so I have to wait to see that.

Has anyone else got experience of this

Bump?

Can't you wait till the two years and divorce for desertion or separation?

No I’d have to wait 5 years as he won’t agree to it

Talk to your solicitor as he would be ill-advised to defend as it would just cost loads of money and time.

@loutypips 2 years is with consent of the other person, and in the OP case he would simply refuse to sign the papers.

Even for desertion? I didn't realise that could be contested.

Won't be many months, on current progress, before no fault divorce comes in. But not sure how that affects divorces still in process.

Sorry to jump in - is there an estimated date when new law comes in ? Seems as though it will be the end of the year at this rate !

You're right, could be a way to go. I may have been too optimistic about progress. But should be quicker than having to wait 5 years

I initially filed on the grounds of Unreasonable Behaviour. Ex said he was going to contest. After 18 months following me leaving him I met someone else, he also had and was living with her.

He then tried to file on grounds of MY adultery!!!! Eventually got divorced as his gf pushed the agenda I'm guessing on two years of separation with consent. Took about five years in total from leaving him to getting divorce through. He dragged it out to hurt me both emotionally and financially.

If he choses to defend he pays costs as far as I know it's why I got away with being truthful on my divorce petition ex wants the divorce to marry someone else and he cant afford to defend it so I told the truth