Do we both need a solicitor.

[Newbegg]

Hi,

Almost 2 years separated and got a conversation with my ex who stated they cant afford a solicitor, like I can!!! And as its myself who wants the divorce I can sort it all out, which is fine. But im confused, if we agree amounts with finances and we need a financial agreement drafted up, does ex not need to do this also with an appointed solicitor. Im Northern Ireland based. Thanks

Disclaimer: I’m not legally qualified and have no idea how these things work

My brother in law and his ex wife sorted theirs very easy online, neither had a solicitor

Depends how fair you make the settlement. If it’s very unbalanced in your favour a judge may refuse to sign it off unless your ex has had appropriate legal advice to prove he understands what he’s giving away

Neither of us has a solicitor

we agreed to keep our own pensions, savings and assets ( cars etc) and sell and split house 50:50

We had however been married 20 years, both had always worked, both had high incomes and both knew all about assets etc.

if you have a solicitor and draft and order that says 90% you 10% him it will be rejected and they’ll want know he’s had independent legal advice.
if it’s fair based on principles of legal fairness in a divorce it’s less likely to be challenged

I'm not an expert but do follow 'The legal queen' on TikTok. She's a British divorce solicitor. She says that the actual divorce is quite simple and can be done online but the financial order, which is the bit you have to do to separate your finances is the bit where you might want some help if its complicated. Obviously the more you can do yourself the cheaper it is, but the more complex the pensions, property, savings and investment are the more you might need help.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/getting-divorce-or-dissolving-civil-partnership

Wondering if this link may be of use to you?

Before I googled I had no idea there was a difference between the divorce law for NI and England/Wales somewhat naively. An eye opener. Again, I am not a legal expert either and I can only assume this is the latest link.

I wonder what happens if you were married in England or one of the party lives in England/Wales, the other NI. Or if children involved in that scenario. Which law applies?

Hope you get answers Op.

I never instructed a solicitor when I went through my divorce. The egg donor did and it cost her a fortune for nothing!
we did mediation, 3 sessions and all sorted.

obviously depends on your situation regarding kids/houses/monies etc.

i came away with my daughter, that’s all I wanted.

good luck with it

@AndSoFinally 50/50 is hopefully acceptable. But yeah I thought legal rep would be helpful for them so they dont feel their not getting what they deserve thank you

@Malariahilaria 25 years together, both have worked all those years, theres only my pension, I was p/t which kids growing up. No assests or savings so im hoping its straightforward, well fingers crossed, thanks

@dadtoateen thats lovely, I was reading about mediation and thats something we will use if none agreeable. Thank you

Honestly, mediation first.

it wasn’t about the cost for me, it was just a solicitor wasn’t needed. In a divorce, the one who makes the most money is the solicitor…..

all the best with it, wish you well