Hello OP, can I recommend that you read some of the following links which explain the pros and cons of both parties in a divorce being represented by the same solicitor?
https://www.sharpfamilylaw.com/the-one-couple-one-lawyer-approach-to-divorce/
https://www.brookman.co.uk/blog/joint-applications-for-divorce-what-are-the-pitfalls
https://www.hunterslaw.com/insights/can-you-use-the-same-solicitor-for-a-divorce-in-england/
The general principle according to SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) rules is that the same solicitor cannot act for both parties in any kind of transaction or dispute. This is due to potential conflicts of interest.
The solicitor has a professional duty to act in the best interests of his or her client. That means they cannot act for two parties in relation to the same matter - or even different matters - unless those two parties' interests are completely aligned and both have been properly advised on the consequences of sharing legal representation.
In a no-fault divorce, the same solicitor can act for both parties providing their interests are aligned. This means it is only possible in an amicable divorce, where there is no imbalance of power between the parties, and both parties are in broad alignment about how they wish to divide their assets. For example, a couple with adult children who are separating amicably and agree that they will each get 50% of the marital assets.
Your situation is completely unsuitable for shared legal representation. Your husband has been financially abusive and probably abusive in other ways. There is a significant power imbalance between you. He engaged this solicitor whilst you were unwell and he now stands to walk away with a significant amount of assets, leaving you to rely on Universal Credit. Except that you will not be able to rely on Universal Credit, because you will be considered to have deliberately deprived yourself of financial assets. The solicitor your husband engaged has not advised you of your rights. You appear to be completely unaware that you are entitled to half the marital assets regardless of who earned what during your marriage. You also seem to believe your husband will be judged to be in greater need of the house because his girlfriend is pregnant. This is all completely wrong.
Not only do you urgently need your own independent legal representation, but I would consider reporting your husband's solicitor to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for breach of his professional duties.
As a solicitor myself, I am absolutely appalled that a fellow member of my profession would agree to act for both you and your husband in these circumstances, and sign off on a settlement which so obviously favours your husband, without even making the most cursory attempt to advise you of your rights. Frankly he should be struck off.
Not only should you be able to get a much better settlement in your divorce, you may also be able to make a claim for professional negligence against the solicitor, which could put a bit of extra money in your pocket.
According to the link I have posted above from Brookmans solicitors:
"The 2023 case of Lewis v Cunningtons shows the repercussions when financial assets are not properly assessed and considered during divorce. There a law firm was ordered to pay a former client £400,000 because it failed to advise her an entitlement to her husband’s pension. In our view the possibility of inadequate advice and unsatisfactory settlements will only be heightened when one solicitor acts for both sides in divorce."