I am seeking a divorce and a legally binding clean break.
We married 4 years ago and have no children. During the marriage we kept our finances largely separate. We had no joint accounts.
My husband owned the matrimonial home prior to the marriage, which we lived in. I own a separate property purchased around 10 years ago, which has been rented out for the last 8 years.
Throughout the marriage, we contributed equally to household bills, excluding the mortgage on his property, which he paid. In return, I covered all holidays and most outings. I also paid for half of the furniture in the home. (Of which I don’t want anything for and he can keep).
My husband earns approximately £90,000 per year. I earn approximately £125,000 per year. I have higher savings, some of which pre-date the marriage. Our pensions are of similar value.
I am seeking divorce due to emotional and verbal abuse. My husband repeatedly told me to leave the home, stating it was “his house,” and then weeks later beg me to return. He would throw my stuff outside and lock me out. Along with the other abuse that comes with. This cycle continued for over two years until I finally separated from him.
We are now separated and have minimal contact. We verbally agreed that neither of us wishes to make any financial claim against the other.
However, my husband told me he will not be signing a clean break consent order, stating that his “word should be enough” and that he does not want to involve solicitors or incur costs. I have offered to pay the court fee, cover the cost of the consent order, and even pay for his independent legal advice if required.
I am concerned that without a clean break order, he could make a financial claim against me in the future. I would prefer to resolve all financial matters now, even if that meant paying him something deemed fair by the court.
He is pressuring me to proceed with an online divorce only, without a financial order, and to complete the divorce as quickly as possible.
I would like advice on whether a clean break will significantly delay the divorce and why he may be refusing to formalise an agreement we have both verbally accepted.