Separation/divorce, kids rights and outside office

tightauldgit

Mattpoker said:

True but we can't afford court, there's not that much in the house, maybe 70/80 grand between both of us tops. Court would make it financially pointless.
But yes, divorce going in on Friday to get the ball rolling.

Court costs £200. By the sounds of things you won't be able to get a settlement without it - which is not smart - so you can't really afford not to go to court. Just look at all the 'we divorced 10 years ago and didn't get a court order and now we have problems' threads on here. How exactly do you intend to resolve these issues without a court order - just go along with whatever she says until the kid is 18???

You do not need to hire a solicitor for the process there are other ways to do it. I would suggest it's handy to have one to consult and possibly to attend court on your behalf but do the paperwork yourself. Even if you spend 5 grand it would be worth it to get your life back.

Savvy_Sue

The wikivorce site comes highly recommended for research and information. 

Peterrr

Small point on the £500/month business rent: I don't think its been stated whether the wife's business is a limited company or sole trader. An unincorporated sole trader working from home (or the garden) can declare a certain tax deductible amount of household expenses to reflect heat/light, maintenance etc for business use.
This would purely be a deduction from the wife's self assessment income tax payable and the OP wouldn't be entitled to half of it. He could, however, argue that the wife contribute more towards the gas/electric to reflect the garden room's expense.
Good luck OP. Sadly both parties usually lose out wealth-wise in a separation but I hope you get a fair outcome.