Simple divorce help please...

[beesfeet]

So I've been trying to find a solicitor to help me with divorce but the solicitors I've spoken too have said I probably don't need one? (A solicitor that is, not divorce!)

We don't own any property. Our family home is rented which I left. No issues with the tenancy.

We had a good chunk of savings which we equally split already.

We have a DS together but as I understand, child arrangements are separate to a divorce (I would qualify for legal aid for this)

This is the part I don't understand. The reason I left was domestic abuse. I have had the police involved and I'm currently working with my local woman's aid charity who say I am entitled to legal aid for divorce. I cannot seem to find a solicitor who will help with this.

Do I just do it on my own? I have absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do.

Thank you

I filed the petition online myself and paid the court fee . You can list unreasonable behaviour and perhaps use a solicitor if he requests child access ? Are there safeguarding issues ?

@Sweetie1980

I filed the petition online myself and paid the court fee . You can list unreasonable behaviour and perhaps use a solicitor if he requests child access ? Are there safeguarding issues ?

Thank you, just the thought of doing divorce alone is scary as there is domestic abuse involved.

Yes there are some safeguarding issues with DS in regards to the care he receives off his dad.

I have no idea how it all works, I'm just such an organised person and the fact that I don't know what I'm doing is just scary

@Sweetie1980

I filed the petition online myself and paid the court fee . You can list unreasonable behaviour and perhaps use a solicitor if he requests child access ? Are there safeguarding issues ?

Sorry can I just ask, is it just one court fee you pay? I've seen it's £593 I think. Is that all it costs?

Hi,
I did my divorce through the co-op. They sent me the paperwork to file with a guidebook.
It was ok, same position as you, we'd already sold the house and split the profit and agreed contact between ourselves.

www.divorce-online.co.uk/divorce/which-service/

Yes, you can do it all online now and there is a one off fee you pay to the court. When you fill in the reason for the divorce dont make it anything he will object to, like saying he hit you, because you want him to sign and get your decree nisi. Anything inflammatory and he might not sign and then it gets very expensive. Once he signs and you get the decree nisi its only 6 weeks for the decree absolute.

When it comes to the child you have police reports so its not really an issue

You could do it alone, but given the DV I would be very reluctant to.

It sounds like you’ll likely need a solicitor for child arrangements but the divorce itself is easy. I would file myself and keep my money for the child contact disagreements which will likely happen.

As others said it’s easy to do on line. The government site is really simple. Costs are £550
I applied in early April, decree final by June 28th…so quick.
BUT, my husband was not abusive at the time. And there were no dependant children
I am shocked that solicitor has said you don’t need for child support and access reasons. Surely that needs some serious provisions
Sugg3st you go onto government site and read through process to set your mind at rest for the other parts- it is really easy
Also look at mediate site- they also have some very nice and simple guides on the process.

@Warblerinwinter

As others said it’s easy to do on line. The government site is really simple. Costs are £550 I applied in early April, decree final by June 28th…so quick. BUT, my husband was not abusive at the time. And there were no dependant children I am shocked that solicitor has said you don’t need for child support and access reasons. Surely that needs some serious provisions Sugg3st you go onto government site and read through process to set your mind at rest for the other parts- it is really easy Also look at mediate site- they also have some very nice and simple guides on the process.

She was just a terrible solicitor.

She told me off for not contacting my husband and blocking him - even though I have to do this as the police have told me too! She told me by not communicating with him is just making him think I am some kind of 'monster that he will grow to hate'

I left because he is abusive and coercive controlling.

And for her to suggest I leave my son with a complete stranger (his latest gf) and let her take my son to his dad was just ridiculous.

I've calmed down now but I was so angry after that call.

Thank you all. It's good to know I can just go it all online if I need too.

I'm speaking to another and hopefully nicer solicitor on Friday so I will ask them for more advice and if it's best to divorce through a solicitor or do it myself. At least I know a bit more of what I need to do now so thank you all!