Divorcing with little money

[LDA123]

How do people do it?

We have applied online for a joint divorce. We need to sort out the financial side of things. We have the family home, no savings, lots of debt and 4 children. He is renting.

We are not amicable, we have tried to discuss but it always ends up badly. Quotes from solicitors £5,000 which neither can afford. Even mediation is very expensive and he is reluctant.

I think he just wants to sort it out between us which is good in principal but tricky when he goes mad when I don’t agree with him.

I just don’t really know what to do next.

I did ask him to complete a form E but nothing has happened there. And possibly not essential if not going through the courts. Just thinking it is a good place to start perhaps.

How did everyone manage to get the ball rolling with the financial side of things without using a solicitor / mediator when the relationship is not amicable? Is this even possible?

*professional not progressional (is that even a word?)

By the way the kids I refer to are from my 2nd happy, lovely marriage, just in case it was confusing.

That's because you're only thinking about when the children are with you. Do you like the idea of your children spending every other weekend in a dank bedsit in a rough part of town so that you can enjoy the use of a big house?

Myself and stbxh did it ourselves online via gov.uk. I think it cost us around £500. In terms of assets we sold house and moved into our new rented spaces (separately of course) before applying for the no blame divorce. I accept this isn't an identical situation as you've explained there's money issues and perhaps not amicable but just wanted to point out that in some situations it is possible to do without massive legal bills

CloudybutMild
It’s not. The parents staying together in a happy marriage and everyone staying in the nice family home is best for them.

That’s not on the table though as you have decided that it’s more important that you divorce, so it then comes down to what you can afford after that.

It’s pretty normal that everyone’s lifestyle takes a major hit afterwards, which is why some people prefer to live in the same home amicably until the youngest child heads off to work or university.

Im sure the OP would rather not get divorced , no one chooses to. Sometimes it's unavoidable.

Tbf, if he is renting then so could you. I'd be wary of spending lots on lawyers if there is only the house to argue about. Would be accept 60 /40 in your favour?