Hi,
Quite a difficult divorce. We did three sessions of mediation in January, done our Form E’s and made a financial summary of everything, for both of us.
Mediation broke down, he lost he temper badly. (There was domestic abuse in the marriage so mediation was never a good idea so start with, but I wanted to try it because supposedly it could save us money vs solicitors doing the finances.)
He moved out finally after 2 years in July.
Our spending is worlds apart. I’m struggling financially and have stopped buying myself lunch for work. I’ve closed my Amazon and eBay accounts to help. I draw a certain amount of cash for each month, and only buy food from this envelope of cash etc. I’ve done a huge amount to try and just survive and also save to pay the solicitor.
I started a second job etc.
His spending is very different. He does earn about 4.5 times more than me. But he buys take away every day. He even buys himself breakfast and lunch in London every day. And he goes out at least 1-2 nights a week. And easily spends £100+ on a night out. At his work’s summer party, he stayed in a hotel for the night ‘because there won’t be any trains back’.
He’s also spent a huge amount on legal fees.
So, my question is, he now wants us to do a new Form E. Apparently this is what the courts would require in any ways, if it goes to court.
But what about him spending so much between now and January? I don’t feel it’s fair.
For example, there is a child arrangement order in process with the first hearing soon. I simply can’t afford a barrister. But he is planning to bring a barrister to the first hearing.
If we do a new Form E, then we will split the finances based on the new form E and I will effectively pay half of his barrister costs??
How can this be right???
Please help. How and when is a new Form E required? Is there a time lapse where the first one expires?