I have been forwarded a Draft Minute of Agreement by my partner's solicitor regarding our proposed divorce.
I'm unable to afford a solicitor of my own.
There are a couple of details in the text which are not entirely clear to me.
However, I'm being asked to pay a fixed amount in child maintenance which I have been clear with my ex needs to be reviewed. I'm also being asked to fund half of the solicitor's fee, again which I have not previously agreed to do.
My questions are:
1. How do I decide (or who decides) how much I should pay in maintenance each month? My partner, her solicitor?
2. How should I establish how much money I need to live on each month? My intention was to contact the CMS and have them work out the figure then negotiate anything additional with my ex. I have regular contact with our two little ones who stay over at mine at least twice a week, more frequently during holidays.
3. Can I be forced to pay part of the solicitor's fee?
4. I work full time but would struggle to pay a solicitor. Is there free legal advice available?
Many, many thanks in advance for any insight offered here.
Harold