Mimi

Posted By: Suzy Miller on 17/03/2026 at 08:53

Hello Mimi

Make sure with the D89 to provide a photo or detailed physical description as well as your husband’s address, so the petition can be served.

Ask Joanne to email you when she left messages for your husband and whether he has responded. Then include that information as you write to him (recorded delivery) explaining that mediation is the quickest least expensive way to agree how to split the marital finances and ask him to confirm that he is willing to use mediation and respond to Joanne Phillip’s calls.

I believe he already agreed in principle so maybe he’s just being slow to take action?

If he refuses to respond you need to have written proof of at least sending him an invitation to mediate so he can’t deny that you offered that option.

But before any mediation you need to know how to split the finances and have two viable options for your husband to choose from. Have you created that with Henry yet? I realise it will involve some educated guesses at this stage re. Your husband’s assets, but you can define your own needs and that is key.

Once the petition has been accepted by the family court (after it’s served) then your husband must legally provide details of his finances but don’t wait for that. Get your needs defined and assets/pensions gestimated – and when get the accurate figures (which may happen in mediation as Joanne will request that info) then Henry can update the cashflow model.

If you haven’t commissioned Henry to work out a fair split – make that a priority.

If your husband refuses to contact the mediator then you offer arbitration. The cost should be much reduced if you have the financials already worked out by Henry.

Shall I introduce you for a chat with an arbitrator who you can then introduce (in writing – recorded delivery) to your husband?