Agreeing Costs

Hi

Anyone any ideas on what "normally" happens about costs?

My wife left me in December, she said "it's all your fault" and claimed she was going to Divorce me on UB.

At the begining of August, I was told by a relieble source that it was common knowledge at her work that she had been having an affair for some time (I suspected for over a year, but she always denied).

I confronted her and her new "best friend" and they both denied. Now they are never apart from each other.

I immediatly launched divorce on UB.

She now has come back saying she denies, but will accept if I agree to withdraw my request for her to pay costs.

If I refuse, she is threatening to contest and cross petition.

She has already said she wanted a divorce, has refused all offers of reconciliation and mendiation and now is bleating about the "terms" - what a pointless excersise.

She is harping on about keeping costs down, yet wants to contest. She wants to keep costs down but refuses to let me see my girls and is insisting we go through the courts (more cost). She will also contest ancilliary relief (more cost) and quote "will fight me for every penny" (more cost).

I have been quoted anything up to £20k for my own costs!!!!

I cannot believe her solicitor is advising her to contest - it's financial madness.

If I call her bluff, and dig my heels in about her paying costs, do the courts actually ever enforce the respondant to pay full costs??

Anyone know what the "norm" is

Thanks

Mike