Divorce costs

Hi , iv been separated over the 5 years now , I want to get divorced.
Can I ask that my ex pays half of the costs if I set the ball rolling with solicitor ?
Many Thanks

You generally pay your own costs - and it''s not cheap - many on here represent themselves and you''ll find lots of help and advice if you go down that route! Good Luck.

It''s only usual to seek costs when divorcing on the grounds of either adultery or unreasonable behaviour, and even then t is usually only the Court fees of £385 that is sought.

Divorce need not be expensive, Wikivorce offers a fixed-price solicitor managed divorce service for £179 + court fees, why not give our free advice line a call on 01202 805020.

The case law prevents you from claiming costs on a 5 years separation Petition although this stands in contrast to an earlier post where a respondent is lumbered with the costs. I will try to dig out the case law reference and post back here.

Charles

Thanks for replies, its annoying as over the years he could of started proceeding with legal aid and never did , I never had the cash to go ahead . I cant do it myself as he is quiet difficult.
I only wanted to see if I could make him pay half of something as he could me to court for contact order got legal aid I didnt , then he didnt stick to it :-/ then when I wanted to change it he was very difficult , massive legal bills for me again.

Then he misinformed csa of his earnings , I got a partial back date but not in full, which im a pealing , now im paying for whole divorce , no doubt he wont sign and it will cost the most it can, it doesnt seem very fair.
But I guess im the one who wants divorce and he s happy to stay married.

Mine will be just over £1000 if he signs and slightly over if a bailiff has to be involved to serve.

I don''t think you''ll have to pay his costs aswell? I''m pretty sure he will have to pay his own costs?
I got divorced on unreasonable behaviour and we both had to pay our own costs - if you''ve been separated for several years it''s maybe not going to be too difficult/complicated - are the finances already sorted then after 5 years apart?

We didnt have any joint finances.Only thing is the maintenance issue which csa are dealing with, he was paying first couple of years then it stopped, now they are chasing him but its the lowest amount you can get, to be honest I dont think he needs legal advice I would just sign its a straight clear cut divorce , we didnt own a home or anything.I just got solicitor as he does not have my address and id like it to stay that way he is very difficult .My solicitor said I do not need him to sign just proof he received forms.