Bearing entire costs of divorce

[SharpBluePoster]

My husband of 20 years left me for a girl half his age, classic tale as old as time. I have filed for divorce - he refused mediation, refused to sort things out between us, refusing to complete Form E, leaving me with no choice but to take him to court. My solicitor made the application to the court this morning. I asked her if we could file a costs order against him for him to contribute to my legal fees as the only reason we are going to court is because he has refused to engage in the process. She said costs orders are only granted in exceptional circumstances and she’s never had a case where a judge has made the other party pay.

My husband has not appointed a solicitor and I am sure will represent himself in court. I will be bearing 100% of the legal costs myself. It just seems insanely unfair to me!! I wasn’t the one who ended it. He will not have spent one single penny on this divorce.

I guess I am just looking to rant. I doubt there is anything I can do about it.

As you have had to bear costs then the judge might be persuaded to award you a higher proportion of marital assets in the settlement. A judge will not look kindly on his refusal to engage with the process and refusal to mediate.

That is really unfair

The cost of the divorce is quite minimal. The expense is usually legal fees and they are borne by each individual

it's normal in divorce to feel very strongly that you got an "unfair" deal.

Divorce is expensive and both parties end up poorer... but you'll avoid misery if you don't go thru divorce. You're buying your future happiness.

Hang in there. x

True. But I am running up huge legal fees because he won’t engage or do anything he is asked to.

Understand that but it’s highly unusual to be awarded costs to cover your legal fees

as pp if he’s extremely obstructive you might find you benefit ultimately by higher share of assets if judge takes control or deems him unreasonable