If your spouse wants to start divorce proceedings, you can avoid the problem described in last week's post ('Does it matter who divorces who? (2)). You should say that you will cooperate with the proceedings and send your 'acknowledgement of service' form to the court only if your spouse undertakes not to apply for decree absolute until financial matters have been resolved.
There can be an argument over the exact point at which financial matters have been resolved, so be specific - get an undertaking not to apply for decree absolute until the court has made an ancillary relief (i.e. financial) order. The ancillary relief order will almost certainly be made by consent, because most cases settle by agreement and contested final hearings are rare.
Every week, usually on a Monday, I post my movements for the coming week - when I'm in the office and when I'm out, for example at court. At the same time I post a short article on a word or expression that may crop up during a separation or divorce case.
I'm always glad of feedback - any comments on my blog entries are welcome - just send me an email.
Miln MacLeod Solicitors is the practice name of Rory Miln, a solicitor of England and Wales recognised as a sole practitioner, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The practice's SRA number is 535105. The SRA’s rules can be found (in English) on their website at http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct.page