defended divorce

Hi everyone, my name is rosamundis, I left my husband nearly six months ago and instituted proceedings based on irritrievable breakdown of marriage. We have been married 30 years, and his controlling, bullying behaviour got worse and worse after the children all grew up and left home. I left to stay with a friend (male) that i met on line, but there is no physical relationship between us, although we are gradually getting fonder of each other. My husband has decided to defend the divorce, even getting some of our children to swear statements saying that he wasnt as bad as i stated. The children barely speak to me now. I dont have representation, neither does he, because neither of us can afford it. Does anyone know what happens in court, whether i'm likely to be granted a divorce, and how much it is all going to cost. All i have as income is job seekers allowance. Thanking anyone who can help, as i really dont know what to think or do next.

Well I'm not a solicitor, but I did read that someone can try and defend the divorce, but that is costly and the courts will probably look at the fact that you have moved out and issued proceedings as proof enough that the marriage has broken down.