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Splitting up, don't want to leave wife financially crippled

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of some good advice/websites.

Me and my wife are splitting up after 8 years, we have 3 children (2 step) and jointly own our house, we are currently paying an interest only mortgage at £1000 a month and are just about managing to tread water, I work full time, she works 24hrs a week and we get child tax/and dla forone of our children.

I will be moving into a bedsit and simply cannot afford to pay rent and continue paying all our existing outgoings. is there anywhere she can contact to see what help she may be entitled to>
#
Many thanks

Comments

  • RAS
    RAS Posts: 36,154 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hi

    Start with https://www.entitledto.com. The mortgage situation is the most fraught as she may not get help until she has been signed up for three months.

    It would pay both of you to talk to a debt charity like CCCS or NDL.

    Then i suggest you both head over to the Debt free wanabee forum as they can help you live on less.
    If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing
  • Loopy_Girl
    Loopy_Girl Posts: 4,444 Forumite
    As two of your children aren't biological then you wouldn't be liable for child maintenance for them.

    In the eyes of the law (i.e CSA rulings), you only have to pay 15% of your net income in child support.

    Something to remember should things get a bit sticky over money
  • barnaby-bear
    barnaby-bear Posts: 4,142 Forumite
    Hi

    I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of some good advice/websites.

    Me and my wife are splitting up after 8 years, we have 3 children (2 step) and jointly own our house, we are currently paying an interest only mortgage at £1000 a month and are just about managing to tread water, I work full time, she works 24hrs a week and we get child tax/and dla forone of our children.

    I will be moving into a bedsit and simply cannot afford to pay rent and continue paying all our existing outgoings. is there anywhere she can contact to see what help she may be entitled to>
    #
    Many thanks
    http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/help_to_pay_mortgage_interest

    I get the feeling things are easier if you walk out and desert rather than amicable....
  • emlou2009
    emlou2009 Posts: 4,016 Forumite
    how refreshing to see a post concerned for how an ex will manage after a split as opposed to "how can i get out of giving her a penny?"
    Mummy to
    DS (born March 2009)

    DD (born January 2012)
  • Georgie4
    Georgie4 Posts: 217 Forumite
    Loopy_Girl wrote: »
    As two of your children aren't biological then you wouldn't be liable for child maintenance for them.

    In the eyes of the law (i.e CSA rulings), you only have to pay 15% of your net income in child support.

    Something to remember should things get a bit sticky over money

    Not strictly as black and white as that - it depends whether he has treated the children as his own , how old they were when they got married and numerous other things - Iwouldn't automatically assume that the 2 children are not yours to support unless of course your wife getsmaintenance from their father
  • kingofherts
    kingofherts Posts: 289 Forumite
    Thanks for the advice everyone, i really don't want to see her suffer or the kids lose their home. I will support as much as i can but i really can't afford both. I just know of so many people who have split and ended up selling the house which is what i dont want to happen
  • gizmo111
    gizmo111 Posts: 2,669 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    www.ondivorce.co.uk is a good resource for both financial and emotional matters.
    Mama read so much about the dangers of drinking alcohol and eating chocolate that she immediately gave up reading.
  • Hi

    You could try citizens advice too for info on benefits. Im sorry if this sounds pessimistic but 1000 interest only is alot for a mortgage. I think you both might have to consider selling the house or perhaps a co-ownership scheme which may let her stay in the house.
  • Loopy_Girl
    Loopy_Girl Posts: 4,444 Forumite
    Georgie4 wrote: »
    Not strictly as black and white as that - it depends whether he has treated the children as his own , how old they were when they got married and numerous other things - Iwouldn't automatically assume that the 2 children are not yours to support unless of course your wife getsmaintenance from their father

    As far as the CSA are concerned then yes, it is as black and white as that.

    Unless you are the biological father or have formally adopted the childrem should you split with the mother then no CSA liability is due.

    Doesn't matter if you were there from day one or what age they are or any other 'numerous things'.

    Morally is probably another issue but I was giving advice should the spilt not remain amicable and the mother goes to the CSA.
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