Hi

I could do with a bit of advice, please.

I am in the middle of a Divorce, and am paying what I believe is an 
extortionate amount of maintenance a week. My ex will only work 16 hours a 
week, she says she's too upset to work (2 years after the seperation). 
Anyway, I have always been paid by Salary + Dividend (at least the last 10 
years) and have set up my own new company, (6 months ago) again paying 
salary and dividend. I am one Director, my new Partner is the other. We both 
work in the Company and take equal Salary, and have equal shares.

My ex's solicitor considers that the Dividend is part of the remuneration 
package, and therefore wants to take that into account when calculating the 
maintenance. As far as I am concerned, this is a no no, and  the company is 
so new it doesn't have annual trading accounts etc nor any idea what 
dividends will be payable.

In addition, my ex's solicitor is convinced that I am also responsible for 
paying maintenance to her other two children from her previous marriage 
(which a maintenance order against her first husband is in place, but he 
hasn't paid a penny) I am to pay the mortgage on the property (yet have no 
equity in it).

Frankly I am at a loss, and am wondering if I should change my solicitor, as 
my ex's is like a rabid, half starved Rottweiler, and my solicitor an absent 
minded pussy cat.

ANY ADVICE gratefully received !

Anyone know a good solicitor around Chester ?

Thanks