went to court today and filed the papers

Took mom with me, that was funny as she said in a loud voice that it was the same court where 20 years ago she divorced my dad

Feel relieved that its done, but terrified of his reaction.

What happens next?

The Court will send your stbx a copy of the petition, the statement of arrangements and a questionnaire (form D10) for him to complete and acknowledge receipt of the petition. He is required to return this form (and sign and return the statement of arrangements form with his agreement or otherwise)within 8 days. The Court will let you know when he has done this and send you a copy of his acknowledgement of service so that you can proceed to the next stage - filing your affidavit and application for directions for Decree Nisi.

thanks for that. Felt strange handing in my marriage cetificate . But step one done now xx

I know what you mean, although its only a piece of paper it holds a lot of memories. The Court Clerk told me that I could have the marriage certificate back after the Decree Absolute had been granted if I so wished. Not quite sure what I'd want it for though to be honest!

Hope all goes well for you. Don't be intimidated by your stbx and focus on what you know you have to do.