You met him on t'internet and he's allegedly been separated for a number of years? I advise large pinches of salt and extreme caution, sl 
It seems to be a little known fact that, in the absence of an order of Judicial separation, until a Decree Absolute is pronounced non-cohabiting married couples remain married in the eyes of the law.
A spouse who remains faithful to their marriage vows up until the date of an informal or consensual separation, and who subsequently enters into a heterosexual relationship with another party, may be surprised to learn that they can be divorced for adultery long after they may consider their marriage to be over and, more to the point of this thread, the other party can be cited as co-respondent and may be required to contrbute to the cost of the divorce.
It doesn't happen that often, but it happens enough to give the canny wary among us pause for thought.
Are you aware that, regardless of whether your spouse gives his consent, in 6 months time you can obtain a divorce citing 5 years' separation Dionne?
There's no need to employ a solicitor; do it yourself online for the cost of the Court fees - c£150-200. Visit www.direct.gov.uk click on 'Government, citizens and rights' and scroll down for further information - if you should be unsure of any aspect post on the Legal board.