Dilemma over where to live

lynseydee

When my husband and I married over 10 years ago we moved about an hour away from family. We have now split and I have had to move out of the marital home with our son. We are currently living with family and I am commuting everyday to work. I want to move back to where my family live but rent is more expensive. I can't continue living with my family indefinitely so need to look for somewhere to rent. My dilemma is do I find somewhere close to my family and try to find extra money every month as I would have a shortfall or do I move back to where I was living away from my family and just about cope financially? I don't receive any financial help from my ex.

I don'tknow what to do for the best!!

nearlyrich

The first thing you need to do is sort out support for your son that might help to put a suitable roof over his head. Some times easier said than done but the CSA ( or whatever they are called now) can pursue him to pay. Find out if you are entitled to any benefits such as housing benefit and good luck.

restless6

You will probably need more support from family now you are a single parent as you dont have the husband anymore, so I would move closer to family and find the extra money.
Take on a second /evening job, cut back on spending etc- theres always a way if you look .

FBaby

Only you can know what is your priority. Does being close to your family more important than having a nicer home and disposable money?

Are you in a position to increase your income? Find a job near your family?

catoutthebag

Can you ask your family for money for the short fall if they are able? Get your ex to pay an allowance. See what benefits you can take from govt

VfM4meplse

Out of interest, why were you and your child the ones to leave the family home rather than your OH? (Am assuming from your post that he is still there).

Delree

I would say receiving financial assistance from your ex could be solution to your money problems that prevents you from moving back home.
Don't let him get away with paying nothing.

catoutthebag

If he fathered the child . He must pay to keep it fed and watered.

lynseydee

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Out of interest, why were you and your child the ones to leave the family home rather than your OH? (Am assuming from your post that he is still there).

Personal circumstances, the details I won't go into, but felt I had no choice

duchy

Presumably your son is still of school age so if your husband has an income then he legally has to pay child support. You don't have to deal with him to get it -you can put a claim in with CMS and they deal with him. You can calculate how much this would be here https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-child-maintenance.

If your income is low you may also qualify for help with rent via housing benefit. (Child support is not included when calculating this) as well as tax credits.

You may actually be better off than you think you are going to be and making an appointment with Citizen's advice to go through the figures could be very helpful.

duchy

restless6 wrote: »

You will probably need more support from family now you are a single parent as you dont have the husband anymore, so I would move closer to family and find the extra money.
Take on a second /evening job, cut back on spending etc- theres always a way if you look .

Working two jobs is not always practical as a single parent with the need for childcare (availability and cost) as well as giving the child time with yourself as the only resident parent. The child may need Mum around more not less as they will also be dealing with the changes in their home life emotionally.