When did you pull the trigger on court proceedings

[Starbuck80]

I separated from my ex in Jan 25 and we still haven’t started formal financial negotiations.

As a result, we’re all still in family home (us plus 5yr old and 2yr) and it’s hell.

We started mediation in April and we didn’t get very far. Appointed solicitors in June, exchanged Form E in August and not moved on. My ex is refusing full financial disclosure, ignores correspondence and hides assets. Both solicitors have suggested a private FDR but my ex is refusing.

I’ve raised starting court procedures twice with my solicitor and she’s always insisted that we keep trying non-court negotiation but i have no funds left and I know my ex. This behaviour will continue indefinitely as he doesn’t really want the divorce and wants to punish me.

At what point did you decide enough was enough and do the Form A?

You can’t do a private FDR with someone refusing financial disclosure. The private judges can’t make orders for disclosure like the judge in court proceedings can. Start the process you can do FDA and questionnaires without legal help using online resources. Once you feel you have all the info you can revisit private FDR but I don’t think it’s good advice to do it when you don’t have the full picture.

Just apply to court, there will be 3 hearings which could take 12-18 months in total. My ex delayed and I applied after 18 months of separation. Wished I’d done it sooner, FH is still months away.