Proof of separation

Shiney_Napper

A colleague from work separated from her husband in January last year which has become rather acrimonious. She has three children and was recently contacted by the benefits agency and asked for proof that her ex was residing elsewhere. She requested that he sent off a copy of his tenancy agreement utility bills etc as proof of his current address however he has refused to do so. Her benefits have now been stopped she is now faced with the prospect of being un able to meet her monthly commitments or mortgage payments. She has lodged an appeal and provided proof of a single occupants council tax rebate as well as a letter from her solicitor confirming she is separated. Can anyone provide advice on how to convince the benefits agency she is separated from her husband. Thanks.

Horseunderwater

Has she taken him off the electoral roll at their address? He also needs to be taken off all bills, that is about the only thing that I can think of that may further help.

Shiney_Napper

Re the electoral roll, not yet and all the bills are in her name. It seems unfair to me that some person sitting in an office in Preston can do this with very little enquiry.

clearingout

I would hope that a solicitor's letter showing legal involvement would be sufficient. It is a worry because so many exs play silly games and it can be difficult to properly dis-en.tangle your financial arrangements with an ex. Took me 18 months and a house move before it was finally over!

I agree, get him off the electoral role and if he's not updated his car details with the DVLA, let them know that his car is not at your address anymore. Keep a copy of the letter and get a proof of postage of all letters. She should also freeze any joint accounts and see if she can come to an agreement with him about getting them closed. If she has anything joint with him financially then she needs to deal with that as well (shares? pensions? savings accounts? premium bonds?)