How long will it take to sort finances - contested route

[Inthedarkaboutfashion]

I have a date for the initial financial hearing. I expect we will go all the way to final hearing as we are poles apart on what we think is reasonable.
how long does it normally take to reach final hearing?
I just need to be divorced from this man and don’t want it dragged out for years but I also can’t afford to settle for less than I need to house the kids.

How old are the kids? Is it possible he's just dragging things out in the hope that they will be non dependents by the time the divorce goes through?

No chance of dragging it out for that long. Kids still at primary school.
I think ex wants to move on as much as I do, he just wants to move on with 80% of all the money and assets.

don't they all!

My final hearing was about 16 weeks after the first one. This was pre-covid.

I represented myself and just went straight to court. I knew my ex would simply disagree with whatever I suggested so you're doing the right thing going to court. The judge will be fair, your ex won't.

Oh my goodness, 16 weeks would be amazing. To be honest even 26 weeks would be amazing as at least I could enjoy Christmas knowing the outcome and not feeling stuck in limbo.
I just feel at the mercy of the courts at the moment. But I applied for the contested financial route as early as I possibly could as I just want it over with and there is zero chance of us negotiating between ourselves or with mediation/ solicitors as like I said he thinks 80% in his favour is reasonable 😅