We submitted a joint application last week

[AreWeSeparated]

Things have moved on somewhat since I started a thread about my situation in the summer!

I have now got a job, fixed term but it's a start as I have been out of the workforce since the youngest was born (now 13)

STBXH started the 'I'm not happy' conversation a month ago, the last 3 times it has been me (yearly since 2021). Now that he is the instigator things are moving apace (which is fairly typical behaviour) but also he is not upset at the idea of us splitting up which he was when I raised it, which is a weight off my mind

He is keen to get things done as cheaply as possible and wants it to be over and official in the minimum time. He isn't keen on using solicitors (I have consulted one and will continue to do so)

He has met someone else and is very keen to move things on with her.

Through some detective work I have found out that his income and assets are far more than he has ever let on (we have been married for 22 years).

If anyone is at a similar stage in this process and would be willing to share dos and don'ts I'd be really grateful!

PM’d you

I imagine him not wanting to use solicitors and him hiding his assets is connected. Does he know that you know about his assets?

Make sure you get what you are due. That may be 50/50 or not/more. It's a long marriage. If you can get any proof of the assets get it and save it somewhere safe he can't access in case of foul play.

As far as I am aware he doesn't know either that I know about the assets or that his income last year was nearly 4 times as much as he told me about!

So that could make for some fireworks ahead

You need to consult a solicitor and get him to complete a Form E.
you’ll need to do one too (you can download it from the Gov website and there’s a YouTube video of how to complete it)
It takes an age but it’s a legal document and if he lies on it, it’s classed as fraud.
My STBXH got stung as he wanted a quick divorce with me getting the house and him walking with his pension….but I discovered he had an ISA worth £60K plus his pension was ridiculously large when he was asked for his CETV!
He has to produce a P60 plus his last 3 wage slips and all bank account details/transactions for the last 12 months as well.
My Ex’s made for some very interesting reading! 😡
Good luck OP!