I don't qualify for legal aid.. Divorce online instead (will I be safe from him?)

[disneyfan1989]

Unfortunately I don't qualify for legal aid. This is due to my earnings and value of my home. My estranged husband had NO input into the house (I bought it 2 years ago, long after we'd separated and with my own money). Our finances were ALWAYs separate, even when married.

In summary, I need to divorce my violent estranged husband and my only viable option is to do this myself through the gov.uk website, I think the fee is around £600 or £700. Happy to pay this to get the ball rolling but just a few questions first:

My husband was removed from the UK to his country of origin (outside of Europe) about 8 years ago following a criminal conviction for DV, and my decision to revoke sponsorship of his UK spousal visa. Our only child was a young baby at the time. Husband threatened all sorts of nasty consequences and believes I "stole" his child from him. He had no idea of our current whereabouts or address. I need things to STAY this way. I can't take the risk of our address being disclosed or shared with him at ANY point during this online divorce process.

I blocked him on everything at the time and disappeared from social media, kind of "went into hiding". I've taken every precaution to keep our child and myself safe.

Would it be "safe" for me to divorce him through this online method (the gov.uk website)?

Any risk my address could inadvertedly be shared with him, like due to an "admin error" or something? He's so dangerous and volatile, I can't risk it. He has friends in the UK.

Chances are, he'd be enraged to have divorce papers served on him out of the blue, after years of no contact.

In the last couple of years, I've met a wonderful new partner who has been very supportive and I can see a long-term future with him. Not necessarily marriage though. I just don't like the feel of this previous marriage and legal ties to my ex hanging over me.

Would be keen to hear from others on here. Perhaps others who have divorced through this online method. Or perhaps people with legal knowledge who could answer my questions.

Thank you x

I wouldn't trust the government to do anything competently. Would a PO Box address work?

In your position, I wouldn't do anything without some legal advice. Ask your question to https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/. You can't be the first to have this problem and they should be able to either advise or signpost you.

When completing the forms you can request to keep your contact details, including your address, confidential. It’s called a confidentiality order (also referred to as anonymity or non-disclosure of details).

Your ex will need to be served with the divorce papers. If you’re worried about your location being disclosed Do NOT include your address on any forms sent to him. You can use a process server (a professional third party) or ask the court to arrange service, which keeps your personal details out of the equation. In high-risk cases, the court may allow alternative service methods (e.g., email or serving papers to a trusted contact).

If it were me, I would not take the risk. I think you would be better off using a solicitor who is an expert in this area. The cost (financial/emotional) of moving/new schools/new jobs is a lot more than a solicitor will cost.