One giant leap forward! - Part 7

[T1000]

W replied to email:

Hi T1000,
 
I’m sorry but the offer is not only unacceptable, but it is insulting.
 
I am struggling to bring up your children, feed them, clothe them, entertain them and house them while living on benefits. You are living in a luxury house, wanting for nothing and paying less than £70 a week for your children to live off.  That is 7% of your weekly wage to support BOTH your children.
 
I will agree to start the divorce but there is no legal aid so legal fees (mine and yours) will ultimately be deducted from our joint assets. As you are aware I have had legal advice and I am roughly aware of what the court will order with two children and what I am likely to receive.
 
I am open to sensible negotiations in the hope that we can resolve matters and thereby preserve our assets.
 
It may be helpful if you were to go see a solicitor and then you will then appreciate what would constitute as a reasonable offer to settle.
 
The fees for submitting the divorce petition are £410 and solicitors fees wil be £600-£1000. Please can you le me have half of the court fees to get the ball rolling.
 
Regards,
 
W

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This is my reply that I have drafted but not sent:

Hi,

I have no intentions of insulting you W.

When we lived together we ALL lived off £120 a month which included food, clothes and entertainment. You have been receiving the equivalent of 14.5% of my weekly wage. I have been paying what you asked for since last November whether I could afford it or not.

My financial position has gotten much worse since you left. Not only am I on less at work but I am giving you money each month that we never had in the first place.
I have seen a solicitor a few times. The last time I spoke with them they said even though legal aid isn't available, help with the court fees are available for people on benefits.
It says on the gov.uk website: "You may be able to get help with the court fees if you're on benefits or a low income." If you have checked that out then fair enough.

There was a house valuation done by an independent properly valuator two weeks ago. The equity minus debt, solicitor and estate agent fees in the house is £3000. I am offering all of that.

You say I want for nothing but nothing could be further from the truth.
I am living in a house I cannot afford and that won't sell. I cannot sell or remortgage because of the Matrimonial Home Rights.
I am getting further and further into debt every month. Now that the CSA are involved this will get worse much quicker.
If the house gets taken off me there won't be any equity to give out let alone share.

I would love to get out of this mess with the best possible results for everyone. There is only so much I can do with what I have or don't have.

If we can resolve this through sensible negotiations that would be great. Where would you like to go from here?

T1000