Divorce/Financial Settlement: Cannot afford solicitors

[KateDillington]

Well that's it really. I can't afford it. I'm not entitled to Legal Aid as there is no DV involved.

I've posted on here a few times. I'm in the middle of sorting the financial settlement (20 year marriage, now DH will not disclose so I have filed form A to start financial settlement).

He/his solicitor are being very obstructive (will not answer any questions about finances).

I've spoken to several local solicitors. They have all been very NICE but have all said the same thing (which has surprised me) - that I should represent myself. They've all quoted between 10-50k for their own fees. One said to me today: "To be blunt, for what you are arguing over (we had cash of around 60k joint savings) using a solicitor will be disproportionate as you won't have anything left to argue about."

We have 50:50 shared care of the children. I just want 50% of the value of the house / savings / pension (which he can easily afford). I gave up my career to bring up the children for ten years, but I just want a clean 50% break.

I guess that I just have to get on with it, but on MN I've been told to get legal representation to sort this - but it does seem (with the amounts quoted) that this is just not viable.

Any advice? (Maybe I should just shut up and get on with it!)

I guess I just want someone to tell me it will be ok. :(

Sadly Xenia is right - I have lost count of clients who say to me that they don't care how much the court proceedings cost as long as 'that bitch/that bastard' doesn't get the money. They would rather they both sink.

So I always advise getting in and out of court as quickly as possible once it becomes clear they won't negotiate. And sometimes it is better to settle for less than you think you could get, once you factor in the cost of more hearings and more valuations etc.

these proceedings can become consuming because often emotions are to the fore rather than commercial considerations.

Hi
New to thread but initial thoughts

1. He made me move out? He cannot make you move out of marital home until a financial settlement is approved by court order. Either move back? or apply for spousal maintenanace on basis of you cannot afford to rent.
2. You cannot sort out financials (ancillary relief) until you have a divorce nisi. You need to process the divorce and at same time apply for xyz

3.Solicitiors do not cost £50k to process a divorce - the cost is £410 for the application plus a few hours of sol time. Agree a payment schedule and apply for maintenance. If you have kids under 18 then u need csa also

1. What he has got or hasnt got needs to be declared as a financial disclosure - a form E

5.Read Terry and Co divorce process on ancillary relief and also MOJ represent yourself. Knowledge is power and you seem to be a little in the dark which is why hubby is getting away with it.

1. Starting point 50/50 plus pension sharing order plus spousal maintanace plus CSA if approp .If he has spent the savings this may be ofset against equity in house if u can prove joint savings.

7.You need help and fast - Get your free 30mins consulation with sol and take it from there - read and understand the d process and the ancillary relief process you will be better informed. You will needd a plan of action - seriously which starts with consultation and listing in order events as they have happened.

Start today !

Three year old thread JJK...

BabyBarrister - are you still on this thread? Would any of your advice change? I have the diver ce; but no financial settlement. I have spent over 10 grand on a solicitor. same thing - every time I had been able to pay her and letters go out - he stalls it. I have NOTHING and I have been homeless and my daughter had to live elsewhere.

I have decided I have to act even though my age and mental framework is not the greatest. Anything you would advise??