Abusive Ex won't divorce

[equuscaballus]

I'm wondering if anyone can help.

I left my abusive (and reclusive) professionally unemployed, penniless ex almost 10 years ago and I've tried to divorce him twice unsuccessfully.

The first time was immediately upon me leaving he started proceedings (he was after my savings) only to drop them his solicitors discovered he'd lied to them about his finances and claimed legal aid.
This cost me 1K in fees.

The second time was after 2 years separation and I tracked him down via facebook and he agreed a no-fault divorce.
I tried to do DIY divorce and spent about £400 - at which point he blocked me and did nothing with his paperwork.

Now I can't find him online and he lives? lived at the opposite end of the country to me.

I desperately want a divorce but if he can play his games he will do so out of spite forever.

I hate the fact he can hold this over me!

Just divorce him on grounds of desertion he can't contest that

www.divorce-online.co.uk/divorce-services/managed-divorce-services/missing-spouse-divorce/can-you-get-an-automatic-divorce-after-5-years-separation/

Really?

Even if I left him?

Ps Thanks i'll look into it now

The thing is I am sure I could track down someone who would give me his address but then i'd be back to square one as he'd never agree to sign.
If I had to pay for someone to Serve papers then they could be trying for days as he didn't like to leave the house for days at a time!

Thank you @Familylawsolicitor I have been picturing a process server hanging around day after day racking up the bill.
Any pictures I could get hold of would be very out of date.

They often charge a set fee rather than a per hour

Like others said if he has acknowledged the papers you can still divorce him