Separation - Benefits while having equity in house

naturaljazz

You will be allowed help with the rent and council tax. I was allowed 26 weeks and got housing benefit on the rent I was paying in the house I had with my children. When the house sold I was 'tariffed' on the profit after another 26 weeks (I had time to think about what I was going to do next).
A full face-to-face benefit check with CAB or a welfare rights service/Shelter will set you straight on this. In all cases check with Shelter on the phone line if 26 weeks is still allowed for Universal Credit, as it is amazing how much that particular benefit differs from previous Housing Benefit. Age of the children; as soon-to-be-ex husband is working... then you put in a claim to the Child Support for a full assessment and he pays you maintenance. You will have to look for work, in school hours or claim childcare costs as well as your children are deemed old enough for you to work.
Solicitors for divorce are now beyond the reach of ordinary folk, so it may be an idea to just go to one for the half hour advice session and write it all down. Otherwise many hundreds of pounds will easily add up, and your capital from the house will be eaten away at. That is pointless really. You may have a law centre as there are still some around, so see if that is available by asking CAB.
You may find the ex doesn't want the house once he realises it will be going up for sale and he would need to buy you out to avoid that. I will wager that things will stay just as they are if you leave it as it is. It is not a good atmosphere for children and they cope better with one happy parents than two rowing/tense ones. So go for what is best for you and the kids on this and good luck.

DFWJane

I am well versed on narcissistic behaviour now!!