What if he doesn't respond?

[Newlysinglemum1]

So my solicitor is about to make contact with my ex to try and progress a financial arrangement and our divorce, but he has recently gone radio silence and I think he's maybe doing a bit of head in the sand. He's so far refused to get a solicitor, won't put the house on the market (his house but I'm entitled to a share of the equity and he couldn't afford to buy me out) and now he's responding to nothing. What happens if he just continues to avoid it all? I'm currently homeless and I need the house to sell in order to set myself and our child up with somewhere more secure.

Not an expert but my understanding is he can delay things this way but not prevent it going through eventually. Your solicitor will be aware of the correct process but ultimately it will end up with court orders for him to provide full financial disclosure, then the court can make financial settlement decisions and compel him to follow them. It’ll end up costing you both more. Sorry. He can’t get away with it forever but it’s unlikely to be a quick resolution.

As for being currently homeless, are you earning? Can you stay with friends or family? Any savings?

Currently staying with family and I've got a good new job so just waiting on the financial side getting sorted so I can buy somewhere rather than pay more renting each month. Almost finished paying off my credit card so then I'll be able to make savings towards a deposit. My worry is also that the longer he drags it on, the more I'll save and then will he be able to take more of my savings away?

Tactically it depends what you are asking for and whether you are more likely to achieve that through mediation or court. And whether legal fees are worth what you are pursuing. That will determine whether it is more worthwhile playing a patient game or applying to the courts for a financial remedy now (or at least threatening to, with a hard deadline for him to respond).

I think it’s a grey area about money that arrives after separation but before divorce. If you’ve paid it into a separate account you can argue it’s not a marital asset. If you’re both able to support yourself, and especially if you’re main carer for your child, it’s less likely to be split.