Anyone had a decent divorce through court?

[HappyHorsewoman]

I am going through a divorce, had to go via court as he would not submit a financial declaration. I am trusting the system to make him accountable, give out penalties etc if he doesn't comply. I am however hearing horror stories of divorces going on for years and partners not getting any consequences for delaying court or not submitting full documents. Is this the reality?! Just needing to be prepared for the long haul. I am using a solicitor and barrister for the first court case but I may then become a litigant in person for the rest due to cost restraints.

If anyone has been a LIP and can give me some resources I would appreciate it.

Watching from the sidelines while DP is on year 4 of trying to conclude his divorce after many years of separation. The courts seem toothless, there have been many instances where documents have been demanded but not produced without consequences. An order was made almost year ago but has neither been acted upon nor enforced in any way, The system is a joke.
He has used a Mackenzie friend to help reduce legal costs and wade through the system which has been invaluable, I shudder to think how much it would have cost using solicitors and barristers, it's still many thousands.

Me. My ex submitted late, incomplete and sporadically. My advice would be to only use a solicitor and barrister at the last hearing. All the other court dates are there to see if you can get to an agreement between you both - it’s not worth spending the money until it really counts.

I used a much cheaper service to check my documents were all in order before submitting for the earlier court dates.

Youre right in saying the courts have no teeth. They threatened him with fines and even imprisonment and he didn’t give a shit. I asked at the final court hearing if I could be compensated for the mortgage payments he refused to pay for the three years it took to get to the final hearing and they said no.

So sorry. This is just dreadful. Definitely a boys club scenario going on. CMS also in it...