To be as brief as I can, looking for any advice/experience.
DB fled his abusive/addict wife 2 years ago and has spent that time fighting to get custody of his DC. He/DC were effectively made homeless as she refused to leave the (mortgage free) family home.
He and DC now live 4 hours away from family home (with me) and have no intention of ever returning. For the foreseeable there is a court order barring his ex from having any contact with the DC.
He has spent every penny he has in the family court and has literally nothing left to sort the divorce/financial situation.
He has considered trying to do it himself but due to the abuse and acrimony his solicitor strongly warned against going it alone. I also am
Concerned that emotionally he wouldn't be up to dealing with his ex/her solicitor.
There are very few assets - house worth approx £150k (although now in very poor state of repair) plus their 2 pensions (she has already been pensioned off through poor health).
He is in a very modest income.
DB has already been warned costs could amount to £15k plus, which seems ludicrous.
I guess my questions are
What realistic split could DB expect given he has full time residency of DC?
Is there ever any straightforward way of agreeing a settlement with an abusive and mentally ill ex?
What happens if the ex refuses to move out of family home or cooperate with any order?
Would DB be better off just walking away to make a clean break of it?
He just doesn't know the best way to approach things; and is fearful that he will come away with nothing to rebuild their lives.