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Marriage breakdown - practical advice needed

Hi,

My marriage is in the process of breaking down. I am really confused what to do practically and wondering if anyone can help.

I own our home, it's in my sole name although I understand that he has some claim to at least some of the equity accrued since he has been contributing to the mortgage.

I'm currently on maternity leave, our son is 5 months old. If I went back to work I wouldn't be able to afford the mortgage, childcare and to live, even with child maintenance. I have no family close enough to help. My husband works a rolling shift at term and wouldn't be able to have him when I work.

What am I entitled to? How do I make ends meet? Do I have to sell the house and privately rent? What happens when that money runs out? So confused.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Bump.

    Anyone? Pretty desperate here.
  • You'd be better off posting this in the main marriage forum board or asking admin to move it, this is a quieter sub forum
    Money money money.

    Debt
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  • Start with a bonding mother & son visit to the library where you can see if there is a local CAB, who the local family lawyers are etc.

    Are you at physical risk? As if you are, getting out is more important than staying under the family roof. If you are not, presently, then sitting tight & seeking more advice/information is the way to go.
  • Caroline_a
    Caroline_a Posts: 4,071 Forumite
    edited 5 December 2016 am31 10:00AM
    How long have you been married? The house, whoevers name it's in will be classed as property of the marriage and your husband will be entitled to a share of it, unless you've only been married a short while.

    You will be entitled to maintenance for your child from your husband and probably some other benefits too.

    See a solicitor, they will have good advice regarding moving forward with this. Have a look on the Wikivorce page here where you can find lots of information.
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,236 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What you will each be entitled to depends on a whole range of things, including your respective ages, how long you were together, what you each earn or could earn, your needs and the needs of the children.

    In terms of the house, what your husband is entitled to and when he gets it will depend on those factors, and also on things such as whether you can afford the mortgage on your own, whether it would be possible for you to downsize to free up some equity or to release him fvrom the mortgage, what other assets (such as pensions or savigns) there are and how they are split, and so on.

    I would suggest that you make arrangmetns to see a local family solicitor. Many offer a free initial appointment, so you can see whether the person you meet is someone you feel comfortable working with.

    In the meantime, check out the 'entitled to ' website, to make sure that you are claiming any benefits and tax credits you are entitled to. You can claim as a single person if you and your husband are not living tgether, you don't have to wait until you are divorced. You do need to declare any financial support he provides you with.

    A court does have the power to make an order providing for you to stay in the house (if you can cover the running costs abnd mortgage) and for your husband to have a charge back over the hosue givinhim a right to a specifci % of the value, once it issold, (perhaps when the yuoungest child turns 18) but whether that is the order you will end up with will depend on all of the other factors, it is not a simple question.
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
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