how long can he drag this out

Hi

Just wondering if anyone can answer this, I am a mum of 3 and my x2b and myself are living in same house still. We have both seen solicitors and basically argued by letter over finances which has already cost a lot.

We are no further forward and x2b has now agreed to mediation. Originally x2b was going to divorce me for unreasonable behaviour - but he hasn't petitioned me! It's now 8 months down the line and basically we are living together in separate bedrooms and the atmosphere is very grim.

My question is if I petition him, can he drag this out by stalling and if so how long. Or is there a time scale that he would have to abide by. Also would my costs be more by being the applicant rather than the respondant.

It feels like we are living in limbo, I wake up each day and it's like ground hog day. The stress is unbearable. I understand that the finances have to be sorted before the divorce is finalised, would like to know as much as possible before I make another appointment with solicitor.

Thanks in advance

Salina

If you petition and then file for anciliary relief the court sets a timetable. He can still stall but whether he does or not will presumably depend on how scared he is of what might happen if he does. Eventually he will have to stop stalling so probably it would be worth doing if you are fed up with being in limbo.

Sadie