Hi Plumber
I got my DA in May 2007 and the finances are still being settled. I'm a bit further on than you - actually cohabiting and about to get married.
My solicitor's view of the situation is that cohabitation or remarriage does not prevent you from getting your fair share of the assets that were built up during the marriage.
BUT, the court will require a certain amount of information about your partner's finances and could take the view that you are in a much better position because you are with that person; an extreme example would be if your partner/new wife owns two houses, a yacht and a Rolls Royce and your ex is living on her own, in a rented flat and earning the minimum wage. I think it would be reasonable to assume that under these circumstances, you may well end up paying spousal maintenance.
I was advised that 'cohabiting' is a less certain position to be in than 'remarried', because the Court doesn't assume that you will eventually marry that person. With the scenario I outlined above, if you were married to the lady with the yacht, the court would likely assume you have the benefit of her lifestyle for the forseeable future.
You may or not be aware that if you remarry you CANNOT apply for Ancillary Relief, but your ex-wife still can, provided she has not also remarried. If you can't come to an agreement about the division of assets, you may well have no option but to apply for AR.
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security with regard to a settlement your ex can change her mind right up to the moment the
Consent Order is stamped. I've been messed around for the past two years, my ex would accept and then he'd change his mind. I eventually filed for AR in December '07, then my ex decided to settle then, just as my solicitor had written up the Consent Order, my ex withdrew his agreement and decided he would see me in court.