Newbie

Going to try to give a little more than the one line introductions that seem to be on here.
I split from my wife 5 years ago now, and have lived since that date with my new partner. we had one child between us. When we split we drew up an agreement between ourselves on how things were to be split, assets, etc and also a maintenance agreement for the little one. This worked..ish, as a guide although we've had a fair number of aguements over it during the 5 year period, but now the 5 years is up, what should I do now.
I wish to divorce, just to finalise it all, but can my ex-partner still make a claim on my assets as they are today? I used all my share of the asset split to set myself up in business with my new partner, so could this be at risk?
I pay maintenance for the child, but not through a court order or csa, so does that need to be looked at?
If I start proceedings, do I take the burden of the cost? and do I risk doing it all alone?
Too many questions, will see what advice I get and then try to fill in the gaps.
Thanks in anticipation
Paul

Hallo and welcome Paul

I am sure someone better informed can give better advice, but at a divorce all your and your wife's assets are up for distribution.

If you already have an agreement and are happy with it, you can get it accepted provided the judge is happy that it is fair to both parties.

If you have agreed maintenance you don't have to go through the CSA.

The court's first priority will be housing arrangemnents for your child (and by extension, as the parent with residence your wife).

The thing is with us now, we both have moved on.
She has used her share of our asset split to buy a house and moved her new boyfriend in with her.
I used my asset share to buy a business.

Its now been 5 years, can the courts really look at all this again after this period of time and risk totally upsetting my new families livlihood?

What would ahppen if neither of us did anything? How long until I can relax and get on with my life, or does a court need to be involved at some point?

Hi paul,you do need to get a judge to sign a Consent Order as until thats been signed your ex can still make a claim for any of the assets.i would advise you to see a solicitor asap.