My Partner has left me

bank_of_slate

Hi Foofur,
If companies start giving you trouble post over on the debt free wannabee forum for advice and support to deal with them
...Linda xx

the_cat

Sadly, you cannot change the locks. As joint owner he is legally entitled to access and you could get into trouble for not allowing him in. Crazy I know!

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned yet. Do you have any credit cards in your name and if so does he have a card on any. If so, cancel them immediately so he can't run up debt in your name.

I would not be in any hurry to change the names on any of the bills until you have had some proper legal advice. At present he is jointly responsible for them and changing the name makes you solely responsible for the debts. This is playing right into his hands and could worsen your position considerably

Good luck

princess_loki

the_cat wrote: »

Sadly, you cannot change the locks. As joint owner he is legally entitled to access and you could get into trouble for not allowing him in. Crazy I know!

but if the kids are potentially at risk and she does not know who he is with or where then i feel that it is reasonable to send him a text / e-mail stating that she is doing it and that if he wants a new key he must contact her - then just get them changed. if he does not answer the phone it is not her fault... i know that the law is the law and he is the joint owner but there are kids and it is what i would do.

OR just get some really big bolts on the inside - that is not changing the locks!

the_cat

Maybe I missed something as I did read through very quickly. Is there a reason to think that the kids are at risk?

Foofur

the_cat wrote: »

Sadly, you cannot change the locks. As joint owner he is legally entitled to access and you could get into trouble for not allowing him in. Crazy I know!

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned yet. Do you have any credit cards in your name and if so does he have a card on any. If so, cancel them immediately so he can't run up debt in your name.

I would not be in any hurry to change the names on any of the bills until you have had some proper legal advice. At present he is jointly responsible for them and changing the name makes you solely responsible for the debts. This is playing right into his hands and could worsen your position considerably

Good luck

Sorry, I should've made it clearer. The house is in my name, its the secured loan thats in both names

the_cat

Fair enough - change the locks for definate then!!! The last thing you need is a 'sitting tenant'

Burlesque_Babe

Council tax: call/go in to see them on Tuesday. Give the date he left and a forwarding address if you have it (don't worry if you don't). They will give you a 25% discount, a new bill and you can change the bank the direct debit the payment comes from if you tell them you need to also do that.

Apply online for a Halifax cashminder or a Natwest Step account. I have both as parachute accounts and wasn't asked for ID on either.

Look at the entitledto website for help on benefits.

princess_loki

the_cat wrote: »

Maybe I missed something as I did read through very quickly. Is there a reason to think that the kids are at risk?

no-one said that the kids were at risk but i know that i would not sleep well without the house being secure...... sorry - just my viewpoint

Foofur

I dont think the kids are at risk, but I will be changing the locks. I suffer with a heart condition so the last thing I need would be for him to bound through the door and scaring the life out of me!

He did make a passing comment that he would take the kids, but I dont think he would, leaving them for a couple of hours alone with him when we were together was enough to send him scatty!

elfen

I'd still let the police know, especially if he has said before about taking the kids, then they know just in case. It's better to be safe than sorry. And do you know his parents' address, he may have gone there, and at least it IS an address to give them (though I'm sure his parents would be as shocked as any of use with what he's done to you.) I'd also recommend phoning the domestic violence helpline, they can suggest places who may be able to help you in the area, or at least give you some more advice.