Ive been sent my divorce petition , but want to go for 2 yr separation, doo i need to seek representation myself to reply to this or can i ignore this letter?

Nicky,

Your ex has issued proceedings through court? Or just a draft petition through his solicitor?

What grounds are the petition ­base­d on?

Have you been separated for two years?

If it is a petition from the court, you have to repsond within 9 days. If you disagree with the petition, you need to contact your ex to agree changes with them and have the petition amended.

Or you have to option to defend the petition - Don't do that - costs a fortune and the outcome is the same. You get divorced.

You don't need to respond through a solicitor, but it may be advisable to seek legal advice to understand your position properly. Many law practices offer a free half hour consultation, so it may be adviseable to do this.

Mike

its a letter from his solicitor not from court althoeugh it did say that i had to send for copy of petition from the courts.

OK, if it is not stamped by the court, I would write back to his solicitor highlighting the changes that you want to incorporate, so that it is ­base­d on 2 years separation by mutual consent.

Are you and the ex at all amicable? If not, then he might not want to change it.

If you answer the other questions above, someone will be able to advise you

Mike

he wants it all over and dealt with , no its not amicable at all hes not agreeing on wat has to pay ie , mortage and a loan we have together , will a solicitor advise me on the divorce ,separtion and financial matters ?

Sorry if this is a daft question but you didn't answer Mike's question about whether you have yet been separated for 2 years.

If you haven't, then how long will it be until you have been? Its just that if he would have to wait a long time for the two year point he's unlikely to withdraw his petition and wait, and the best you may be able to do is to try and persuade him to change the specific reasons he's citing, if you really dislike them, rather than try and get him to change the basis of his petition completely.

A solicitor would certainly help you understand your rights with regard to the a financial settlement.

Good luck

sorry, I didnt say that we have only recently separated about 6 weeks. My ex is very eager to get things moving... and defintely wants the FMH sold, as he says he wont be be able to afford to rent and pay mortage on FMH. He knows that financially i am unable to pay the morgage and household bills and concerned about where myself and our two sons will live......