Need some advice about divorce............................................................

[peachypie]

So MNetrs i have decided its time and i want to get a divorce, i am really looking for some advice or experiences or tips.
i dont really know where to start or how long these things take or how much they cost.
If any one can offer any advice i would be really grateful.

hi peachypie, don't recognise your name and don't have any advice for you on this subject I'm afraid but just wanted to offer support. Not sure what your circumstances are but suggest CAB always a good start for advice on legal issues, or a solicitor if you have/can afford one.

i work for a solicitors firm a a secretary in family law , you may be eligible for legal aid, if not the divorce could cost between £500 to £1,000 but you could ask the court for the other party to pay your costs. a divorce petition is sent to the court, together with a statement of arrangements for children and a fee of £180 i think or thereabouts (if not getting legal aid). the court issues the petition if they think you have a good reason and sends other party a form to sign to say he has received the papers. he sends that back to the court, they send a copy to you and then you apply for a decree nisi sending in an affidavit. the judge looks at the nisi and six weeks and one day after the judge has looked at it you can apply for your decree absolute - you are divorce when you get that. finances are tricky, but basically if you write down everything you own (including DH's) and give values, add them all up then take away all debts, then agree on a figure - usually 60/40 to the person with kids or even 70/30. divorce takes about three to four months and sorting out finances could take anything upto a couple of years, all depends on if you can agree.