Newly single parent who needs a bit of guidance

TBagpuss

It may be in your interest to talk to a solicitor at an early stage - make sure that you are claiming child support (alternatively , if you ex is still paying towards the mortgage or other bills, work out if that is more or less than he would be paying in child support) 

Costs of divorce vary a lot - a lot of solicitors offer fixed fees for divorce - in my area they normally charge around £500 + VAT, and you may qualify for reduced fees on the court fee. You could also do the petition yourself and get legal advice on the financial side . I think a lot of the average costs quoted re heavily slanted to wealthier people using bigger firms in London and the South east, it's worth calling local solicitors - a lot will offer and initial free consultation and should be able to give you costs information . 

Proofread100

Thanks TrailingSpouse and TBagPuss. 
Good advice.

Am not sure whether there will be any child support. There is a lot going on in the background that I can't go into here. 

When I looked on the gov.uk website, the cost just to apply for divorce was about £595. Just for the application, never mind solicitors. 

My adult daughter has agreed to pay a couple of hundred per month towards the household income. She's a great girl with a good head on her shoulders. 
I am picking little bits and pieces of on call where I can in work, the money isn't great, but it will pay a bill. 
Have time at the weekend and will be enjoying a few hours' browsing on OS forum (I've been on MSE for about 20 years and it's my favourite). 

TBagpuss

Yes, the court fee is £593 but if you have a low income and no/low savings (under £3,000) you may qualify for a full or partial exemption - you can check eligibility here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-help-with-court-and-tribunal-fees.

The equity in your house is not counted as savings. Anything in joint names you are assumed to have half of.

elsien

Will the ex be paying child maintenance for the younger child as that would not count for benefit purposes? 

Gavin83

How old is the younger child?

Proofread100

She's 14. Not sure if he will be paying maintenance or not. He has savings but I think will be losing his employment because of what has happened. 
I'm not expecting any child support tbh. Need to be as independent as possible. 
Have picked up extra work where I can even though the money isn't great. It all adds up. 

Gavin83

Proofread100 said:

She's 14. Not sure if he will be paying maintenance or not. He has savings but I think will be losing his employment because of what has happened. 
I'm not expecting any child support tbh. Need to be as independent as possible. 
Have picked up extra work where I can even though the money isn't great. It all adds up. 

He'll technically be liable to pay maintenance for a little longer then but if he finds himself unemployed it's likely to be minimal. Maintenance is based on income, not savings. However his savings will be considered as part of a divorce settlement. 

pickledonionspaceraider

Good afternoon
I am not very up on the benefits side of things as they have changed a great deal since mine were little - however I just wanted to reach out
I too became a single parent very suddenly , years ago - and I know how hard it can be and what a shock it all is at first
I will bow out now as I know you wanted advice re finances, and with that I cannot guide as my info would be outdated

I just wanted to say all the very best, and you can and will get through this 

NornIronRose

Thanks POSR. It has come as a shock, but my daughters and I are a strong unit. I got my first child benefit payment through already so I am grateful for that. Have also picked up extra work but won't see the benefit of that until my end of Jan pay. 

NornIronRose

Just updating this thread as I received helpful advice but hadn't come back to say thank you. 

Increased my hours in work and took on some on call duties which have meant that I have an adequate income for my needs. 

Going through a bit of a messy divorce but, as always, getting sound advice on MSE, from the likes of Elsien and Tbagpuss, TightAuldGit and more.