For a long time, a non-working partner could reasonably expect the chief wage-earner to pay all legal fees arising from their divorce. That changed in April 2006. The current starting point, subject to any ‘litigation misconduct’, is that each party will need to pay their own divorce costs.
Difficulties in arranging for payment of ongoing fees can be very real, especially if the other party controls the family purse-strings. You may lack knowledge of your partner’s financial affairs and, if so, you may also incur costs obtaining the necessary information.