My ex-wife and I had our first financial hearing in August and are waiting for the FHDRA in February.
Her Sol and Barrister gave me a long list of questions relating to my "one-man-band" business which is basically my job. I answered all of these accurately, with full accounts, 12 months bank statements and detailed P&L forecasts and valuation from my accountant. But she has come back with a long list of supplementary questions asking for even more details about every penny of spending and costs. She believes I am taking money out of the business for personal use and, at the same time, thinks the business is worth millions (it's not! It's just my job and can't exactly be sold as an asset). Nonetheless she is insisting on an independent valuation that would cost me £4-6k!
I rejected this because I simply don't have the time or energy to answer them. It feels onerous and burdensome.
So she has applied for yet another hearing in January, on a day when i'm booked to be in France for work. I'd lose 1000 euro if I have to cancel.
She, on the other hand, has refused to seek employment since she separated us 2.5 years ago and is relying on benefits and me paying her mortgage and child maintenance for shared care of our 7 and 8 year olds.
I've submitted a D11 because she refuses to move the date of this hearing. Please can you tell me what chance I have of:
A: Adjourning the January hearing?
B: Challenging the January hearing on the basis that this has nothing to do with the future needs of our children but everything to do with her wanting spousal maintenance from me.
C: Does she stand a chance of getting spousal maintenance in the february hearing? I take £35k gross out of the business as salary and dividend. I already pay £400pm in child maintenance in addition to £700pm mortgage for the former FMH?
I can't even afford a Mackenzie Friend so i'd appreciate any advice please.