Practical help with failing marriage

fluffnutter

My friend's recently found out her husband has been having a number of affairs over the years and has run up a fair amount of debt. I think the bulk of this is on credit cards (possibly joint accounts) and also debts secured against the house. I think she's on the deeds of the house, but I don't think she's on the mortgage.

My friend's rather an economic prisoner; she's earnt very little over the years, they have no savings, her work is casual cleaning jobs and whatnot, and she doesn't really know where to start.

What do people suggest she does to safeguard herself against future debt and extricate herself from this marriage? He's quite domineering and has sapped her confidence over many years and she doesn't know where to start. Unfortunately neither do I. It would be really useful to be able to have a list of things to do that I could go through with her.

paulineb_2

Visit to the CAB and a visit to womens aid or a phone call to womens aid would be my first two ports of call.

And for goodness sake if she is earning, get her to start making some NI contributions or put an amount no matter how small into a personal pension.

princessdon

First practical advice is for her to get her credit reports so she can see what debt she is associated with. It can be done today whilst she waits for an appt with CAB or other agencies.

Once she knows the extent of her debt then asking on the debt boards can provide further advise.

Savvy_Sue

Agree with Women's Aid, sounds like there's been some financial abuse going on over the years.

Getting a bank account in her sole name would also be a very good idea, and squirrelling as much as possible into that!

Macca83_2

She needs to get herself a new personal bank account, preferably not one that's associated with any bank she may currently have joint debts with. She needs to get her wages paid into this account.

Dunroamin

Are there any children?