I am able to apply for absolute this week after a very amicable divorce from my husband. We had a very short marriage in that it lasted less than a year, although we lived together for 3 years prior to getting married. My solicitor is adament that I get a clean break order, however I am very worried that this could lead to trouble.

We agreed on an amount that my husband would be en­title­d to on our only joint asset - the house - this was paid to him months ago and I have not heard from him since. To set the scene slightly he stole an enourmous amount of money from our joint bank account so therefore the pay off was reduced to account for this.

Do I really have to have a clean break order and can I just go ahead with the absolute?

I am so confused but also very scared about loosing my home. Can anyone help me?

I think your solicitor is correct.

Basically without a clean break order then you leave yourself open to him making further financial claims against you in the future.

To be honest it was a slight mistake to give him the money for his share without getting a clean break agreed and signed. If he has spent all of that money then he could be back for more.

Bite the bullet now - take your solicitors advice and begin the process towards agreeing a clean break order.