Step by step

Hi all,Firstly, what a GREAT website!I was married/in a relationship for 11 years in total.A mutual ending.One child who is shared 50:50.We sold our marriage house 2 years ago and both live separately, both now in new relationships.I believe my ex is going to try to hide finances (I’m thinking the £30k mark) as I never saw our joint bank in the entire relationship and recent behavior is suggesting this…I have only just filled out a Solo Application 2 years after we split up...A few questions:1. Was I stupid to leave it that long? Shes has been burning her money on silly cars and many holidays - Perhaps she was burning money to ensure I didn’t get it?2. At what point do we fill out financial forms (I want it done ASAP)?3. Do we fill it out for the current date or the date at which we split? Before she was burning money.a. I know she has been burning money since we split, is there any way this can be taken into account if the date of the divorce application is being adhered to.4. As I suspect she is going to lie on hers, how can I best make sure this doesn’t happen?I’m a little confused between the divorce application and the financial side.Can someone throw me a bullet point list of when the finances should be kicked off?The guide seems to be quite confusing given this is a no-fault divorce.Thank you in advance!

The divorce and financial settlement are separate. The gap between the petition and conditional order is to encourage discussion and hopefully agreement on finances. Once you have a conditional order in place you can apply for a legally binding financial order.
First step is full financial disclosure. This can be voluntary exchange of form E, the form used in the court process to declare your respective financial positions.
The settlement will be based on needs and the means you have between you to meet them. If funds have been dissipated that may be taken into consideration but meeting needs is the first consideration.
mediation should be tried but if you cannot get full and frank disclosure and/or are unable to reach agreement and application to court may be needed.
It is advised that you wait until the finances are settled before obtaining the final order.
There's lots of useful information on this site. Have a good read and ask questions here and/or book a free chat with one of our consultants or a fixed price legal financial consultation.

Hadenoughnow

Thank you, a very clear guide