Hi

I'm new to this site and was initially looking for some advice re child maintenance.

I've been separated from my husband for over 3 years and neither of us has made any moves to start divorce procedings. I did see a solicitor for free 30 mins advice and couldn't see how I would benefit by going for it particularly if I then had to pay for the divorce.

Has anybody else stayed married? Do people think it strange?

Angela

Angela

I was happy not to get divorced, seemed to me the key things on separation are to agree contact arrangements and a financial split, but I think the issue is that if you don't get divorced you can't finalise the finances, which could blow up in your face in the future.

I think divorces can be done quite cheaply (ours probably cost about £4K with mediation and solicitors, but it could have been done much cheaper if my ex hadn't have had solicitors letters firing off everywhere!).

Steve

Hi Angelthomp

What other people think doesn't matter.

If you and your husband are happy with your current arrangements then there may not be any reason for divorce but

Your initial query was about child maintenance. Are you happy about the status quo? You might want to have a legal Separation Agreement drawn up to make it more secure. Legally the Child Support Agency has a % formula for child maintenance so you might want to see how you would benefit (if at all) from going down that route. They have an online website you can consult.

I have been separated from my ex for a year and am humming and haing about starting divorce proceedings myself. On the one hand things are ticking along nicely and our sons are settled here - but on the other I'd like to move to somewhere that is mine and also sort out all the finances properly and move on emotionally as well as physically.

I am thinking of waiting till next year when I can divorce on grounds of 2 years separation and younger son will have finished GCSEs.

Nell