Scotland - 3rd time posting. Been going through a divorce for 5 years. Begging for help!

Hi all,

I am literally begging for help. How do I get my divorce finalised? What in God's name can I do? I can't afford a new solicitor because I don't know how much I owe to my "current" solicitor. My "current" solicitor is ignoring me.

I'm in Scotland.

Separated from wife in July 2018.

Divorce was filed in 2019.

My first solicitor retired. (firm 1)

Second solicitor (also at firm 1) took a new position elsewhere. This firm then decided they were no longer doing family law.

Third solicitor (at firm 2) went off with ill health and her father was also unwell so she couldn't continue.

Fourth solicitor (at firm 3) was very, very slowly making some progress. I haven't been happy with his handling of the divorce. He never responds. He never provides updates. He was not doing the basics. On 30th April 2024 I sent over some paperwork which my ex and her solicitor had requested. Then I didn't hear anything back. I was constantly chasing my solicitor for updates. 29th July came around and I emailed my solicitor and copied her solicitor in because I was at my wits end. Turns out my solicitor didn't send the paperwork over. He then asked me not to email her solicitor directly as it put him in a "difficult position professionally." I told him I was unhappy, but I did as he requested and haven't emailed her solicitor since.

An agreement drawn up and I was happy with it. She and, her solicitor, wanted a couple of changes made. I was unhappy with these changes and told my solicitor this. I haven't heard back from him since. 23rd August 2024 was the last time I heard from him. I have tried again and again with no response.

I sent an official complaint in on 2nd September 2024 and this has been ignored too. I am going to raise the complaint to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission but I am concerned that if I do, my solicitor may then present me with a bill for £X amount which I might struggle to pay.

I am looking for a new solicitor but I cannot afford the initial consultation fees at the moment. Especially when I don't know how much I owe to my "current" solicitor (the one who is ignoring me). I have asked for a statement but have been ignored. I am worried if I pay £500 for the initial consultation and then they request my paperwork, my "current" solicitor might present me with a bill I won't be able to afford.

This is pretty much the horrible situation in a short version. There is more information but I can't post specifics.

I honestly just wish I was a gazillionaire so I could pay the best solicitor in Scotland to get this sorted out for me.