divorce who pays

[womblingfree1970]

I was reading another thread that said that the respondent not the petitioner pays the legal fees in divorce cases.Is this true and if so how does it work.Is it for all costs,including financial and child matters.

I am a SAHM with 2 children.H works but is self employed and works as a limted company.Earns excess of £40,000.

Even though I'm a sAHM we have an owned house.mortgage completely paid off.Which is in my sole name(married along time so he's entitled to a proportion).So of course house counts as assets,so I thought that I'd have to pay my costs.Is this the case.

No - unless there are (very) special circumstances then each side pays their own costs.

For the divorce itself the guilty party often has to pay the other's costs. Each will bear their own for money and child disputes.

Is it an amicable(ish) divorce? If so you don't need to go to a solicitors so the only costs will be the court costs, which were around £200 when I got divorced a few years ago. The Courts actively encourage people to DIY their own divorces as it is less costly, less time consuming and gets less nasty. If you and your husband can agree the splits and childcare arrangements this may be a preferable option for you. You can even get your Affidavit witnessed at the court for free instead of paying a solicitor or comissioner for oaths. If you phone up your local family court they will send you a pack explaining everything.

£340 now. I wouldn't do the finances without a solicitor unless you are familiar with the law in this area.