Possibly Separating...what are my options

c1403

Hello

Sorry for a rather depressing post so close to Christmas.

Myself and my partner of 17 years are thinking about separating (infedility on his part five months ago that I'm not sure we can get through)

We are not married, have two children under 7 and a house with appx £90,000 equity (worth £220,000)

I am scared that I am going to be unable to afford to support myself if we do split. I work part time 16 hours per week earning £200 which enables me to do all school pick ups and is very flexible. He works full time earning appx £380 on a rota system although had recently considered reducing hours so we can work through our issues

Would I even be considered by a private landlord, earning £800 a month with two dependants?? Rentals here are at least £950 per month. Obviously I will have my share of the equity in savings. I doubt I'd be able to buy another property as we're in the south east and I wouldn't get considered for a mortgage.

I guess my reason for being here is I am looking at the financial implications of separating as well as personal, which is so so difficult. Would I be best speaking to citizens advice or similar.

Please be kind

Thank you

ToadsFriend

You are so strong and brave. Well done for doing what is right for you and your children. See a solicitor, but you will be fine and he will HAVE to ensure you and the little ones are well provided for. Try not to worry, there is a lot of help available!

SmashedAvacado

Selling up might not be the best solution for you in the short / medium term. Could he move out and rent somewhere and you pay the mortgage (in whole or in part)? Presumably the mortgage payments on an outstanding debt of £130k would be affordable - particularly if you had the option of being interest only?

This is really tough and wouldn't be a long term solution as presumably he would want his money out - but if you are looking after the children it might be fair.

c1403

SmashedAvacado wrote: »

Selling up might not be the best solution for you in the short / medium term. Could he move out and rent somewhere and you pay the mortgage (in whole or in part)? Presumably the mortgage payments on an outstanding debt of £130k would be affordable - particularly if you had the option of being interest only?

This is really tough and wouldn't be a long term solution as presumably he would want his money out - but if you are looking after the children it might be fair.

Unfortunately I need to move as the infidelity (although ended and over) was close to home and I just can't stay here :-(
We have thought about moving together and possibly trying again but I just want to explore all my options

elsien

ToadsFriend wrote: »

You are so strong and brave. Well done for doing what is right for you and your children. See a solicitor, but you will be fine and he will HAVE to ensure you and the little ones are well provided for. Try not to worry, there is a lot of help available!

I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. He will have to pay child maintenance. There is no obligation to provide for the OP.
She refers to her partner not her husband so the usual 50/50 starting point for assets doesn't come into it aside from any jointly owned ones.

Private landlords tend to be more accepting of you can pay a chunk of rent in advance or get a guarantor. Are either of those likely to be a possibility?

You could also check with a local housing officer about the possibility of social housing, but don't hold your breath on that front. It would give you an idea though.

c1403

elsien wrote: »

I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. He will have to pay child maintenance. There is no obligation to provide for the OP.
She refers to her partner not her husband so the usual 50/50 starting point for assets doesn't come into it aside from any jointly owned ones.

Only joint asset is the house and we fully agree to split this 50/50.

Mojisola

c1403 wrote: »

I work part time 16 hours per week earning £200 which enables me to do all school pick ups and is very flexible. He works full time earning appx £380

c1403 wrote: »

Only joint asset is the house and we fully agree to split this 50/50.

As your income is lower because you are looking after your and his children, perhaps you should be looking at a larger share of the house value.

c1403

elsien wrote: »

I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. He will have to pay child maintenance. There is no obligation to provide for the OP.
She refers to her partner not her husband so the usual 50/50 starting point for assets doesn't come into it aside from any jointly owned ones.

Private landlords tend to be more accepting of you can pay a chunk of rent in advance or get a guarantor. Are either of those likely to be a possibility?

You could also check with a local housing officer about the possibility of social housing, but don't hold your breath on that front. It would give you an idea though.

Thanks. I think I could pay a chunk of rent in advance with help (before house proceeds come in).
Guarantor should be okay but obviously haven't got round to that part yet.
Thank you