Marital breakdown seeking a fair financial arrangement

Little_Miss_Confused

How do you work out a fair settlement? My husband wants half of everything including household goods!. So far he is taking most of the savings (like 90%), the endowments, shares and cashing in life insurance policies. This adds up to at least 40k. I am keeping the house and kids (15 and 18) and he is giving me 250 a month. We paid 78k for the house, the mortgage is now 67k however the house is worth at least 140k (getting it valued tomorrow). Husband wants me to pay the remainder of the money I owe him as soon as possible but I have asked him to wait 2 years until the kids are a bit more sorted. He thinks it will be at least 20k.
Does this sound fair?

elona

No it does not sound fair - see a solicitor quickly!

moggins

No that does not sound fair, it sounds like you are being royally screwed and I would seek legal advice quickly. I tried to go through a divorce without a solictor and ended up losing everything including custody of my daughter because my first ex-husband wanted to make sure I ended up destitute and in the gutter.

Sorry for sounding bitter but get yourself some help quickly, he cannot take all the money, half the contents and then expect half the equity in the house too, that stinks! And if your 18 year old is not working then £250 is a pittance. I get £180 a month for one child from XDH (who is lovely about money and also chips in for other purchases for our son)

Lady_S

I don't think that the settlement appears fair.

But, I don't really agree with moggins comment about the child maintenance. Is the 18yo in full time education, if they aren't then you won't be able to claim for them. Also, maintenance is set by the CSA to be 20% of the earnings for two children if it is over 200 a week. If the 18 year old is not in fte then it will be only 15% you can claim.

Prudent

moggins wrote:

No that does not sound fair, it sounds like you are being royally screwed and I would seek legal advice quickly. I tried to go through a divorce without a solictor and ended up losing everything including custody of my daughter because my first ex-husband wanted to make sure I ended up destitute and in the gutter.QUOTE]

My ex openly stated he wanted me to be homeless, so know how you feel Moggins. I had a good solicitor and it made all the difference (though I did choose not to remain in marital home).

Op do get yourself a solicitor, this does not sound a good deal. My legal proceedings cost about 6k, but were worth it for the fair settlement.