Hello, I will try and keep this brief as I believe it's a fairly simple situation - just need some advice.
Myself and my ex have been separated for 18 months. We are both mid 30's, no children, married for 6 years technically (including the time separated) but together since I was 15. I left the house we owned jointly 18 months ago. We have a separation agreement (at his request) and he has bought me out of the property (I have received my payout). We now have no financial ties - we are both happy with the agreement. I am now looking to get divorced. Obviously, I've never done this and don't really know anyone who has, recently anyway.
It was my decision to end the relationship but it has been amicable in that we will communicate over text when needed (e.g in regards to the separation agreement, he'd message to say 'heads up, my solicitor will be emailing paperwork' etc)
My question is - what is the best/quickest/easiest way to get divorced? We have no ties to each other anymore, we have both moved on into new relationships, we just simply don't want to be married anymore.
My initial thought was to go with one of the online companies and pay a bit more for them to handle everything. But because my ex and I are amicable and will text where required, will I end up potentially having to kick a third party if things aren't moving and it isn't down to myself or my ex? I do find having to speak to him quite stressful though, it takes me back to quite a bad mindset.
The alternative is to do it myself through direct.gov. However, this gives me quite a bit of anxiety as I find filling out forms, dealing with paperwork etc quite stressful. I also have no idea what I need to do or what 'questions' it will ask. On the flip side, I will have full control over where we're up to.
The relationship dragged on much longer than it should have and on reflection, really wasn't healthy at all but it was all I knew. This is the final thing to tackle before I can truly have my freedom and finally start the life I want. Any advice would be appreciated - thank you x