Unfair Universal Credit Capital Decision

LightFlare

Would the OPs possible financial interest be based of some factor as such as:

when was the property purchased
who financed the purchase 
when they got married
when they go divorced

the basis for the “possible financial interest” is not clear at all

mybestattempt

LightFlare said:

Would the OPs possible financial interest be based of some factor as such as:

when was the property purchased
who financed the purchase 
when they got married
when they go divorced

the basis for the “possible financial interest” is not clear at all

Also, the fact that the property is in France which means ownership is defined by French property law.

CrowAngel17

jbean1982 said:

I'm writing in desperation, hoping someone can offer advice or guidance on a devastating situation I'm facing with Universal Credit. I'm a single mother of three, and after four years of receiving Universal Credit without any issues, I've suddenly been hit with a severe capital assessment decision.

The issue stems from a property in France. My ex-husband lives there with his new wife and baby. During my initial Universal Credit application, and when questioned later, I mentioned the potential of owning a share of this property. I was terrified of being dishonest, but the reality is incredibly complicated and distressing.

My ex-husband and I divorced with no financial settlement. He has consistently refused to communicate with me and claims he's removed my name from the property deeds. He has a history of financial abuse, and I have absolutely no access to any information about the property, including mortgage details or proof of ownership. He also refuses to discuss anything related to our children, for whom I am solely responsible.

I've consulted solicitors who have told me that proving ownership in France is incredibly difficult and costly, especially as my ex-husband lives there and is completely uncooperative. As a single mother on Universal Credit, I simply cannot afford the legal fees required to pursue this.

Despite this impossible situation, Universal Credit has suddenly decided to treat me as having capital based on this property. They made this decision without any prior consultation, after four years of accepting my claim, and it's causing immense financial hardship and stress.

I feel completely trapped. I'm being penalized for an asset I cannot access, prove ownership of, or realize any value from. I'm also being punished for attempting to be honest, even though I'm in a situation where I have no means of getting the required information.

I'm desperate for advice. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Are there any avenues I can explore? Are there any organizations that can help with navigating complex international property disputes?

I'm hoping someone on this forum might have some insight or know where I can turn for help. I'm at my wit's end and don't know what to do.

Hiya, what's come of this so far?

born_again

CrowAngel17 said:

jbean1982 said:

I'm writing in desperation, hoping someone can offer advice or guidance on a devastating situation I'm facing with Universal Credit. I'm a single mother of three, and after four years of receiving Universal Credit without any issues, I've suddenly been hit with a severe capital assessment decision.

The issue stems from a property in France. My ex-husband lives there with his new wife and baby. During my initial Universal Credit application, and when questioned later, I mentioned the potential of owning a share of this property. I was terrified of being dishonest, but the reality is incredibly complicated and distressing.

My ex-husband and I divorced with no financial settlement. He has consistently refused to communicate with me and claims he's removed my name from the property deeds. He has a history of financial abuse, and I have absolutely no access to any information about the property, including mortgage details or proof of ownership. He also refuses to discuss anything related to our children, for whom I am solely responsible.

I've consulted solicitors who have told me that proving ownership in France is incredibly difficult and costly, especially as my ex-husband lives there and is completely uncooperative. As a single mother on Universal Credit, I simply cannot afford the legal fees required to pursue this.

Despite this impossible situation, Universal Credit has suddenly decided to treat me as having capital based on this property. They made this decision without any prior consultation, after four years of accepting my claim, and it's causing immense financial hardship and stress.

I feel completely trapped. I'm being penalized for an asset I cannot access, prove ownership of, or realize any value from. I'm also being punished for attempting to be honest, even though I'm in a situation where I have no means of getting the required information.

I'm desperate for advice. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Are there any avenues I can explore? Are there any organizations that can help with navigating complex international property disputes?

I'm hoping someone on this forum might have some insight or know where I can turn for help. I'm at my wit's end and don't know what to do.

Hiya, what's come of this so far?

1 post, one visit

Apr 3, 2025

Last Active

CrowAngel17

born_again said:

CrowAngel17 said:

jbean1982 said:

I'm writing in desperation, hoping someone can offer advice or guidance on a devastating situation I'm facing with Universal Credit. I'm a single mother of three, and after four years of receiving Universal Credit without any issues, I've suddenly been hit with a severe capital assessment decision.

The issue stems from a property in France. My ex-husband lives there with his new wife and baby. During my initial Universal Credit application, and when questioned later, I mentioned the potential of owning a share of this property. I was terrified of being dishonest, but the reality is incredibly complicated and distressing.

My ex-husband and I divorced with no financial settlement. He has consistently refused to communicate with me and claims he's removed my name from the property deeds. He has a history of financial abuse, and I have absolutely no access to any information about the property, including mortgage details or proof of ownership. He also refuses to discuss anything related to our children, for whom I am solely responsible.

I've consulted solicitors who have told me that proving ownership in France is incredibly difficult and costly, especially as my ex-husband lives there and is completely uncooperative. As a single mother on Universal Credit, I simply cannot afford the legal fees required to pursue this.

Despite this impossible situation, Universal Credit has suddenly decided to treat me as having capital based on this property. They made this decision without any prior consultation, after four years of accepting my claim, and it's causing immense financial hardship and stress.

I feel completely trapped. I'm being penalized for an asset I cannot access, prove ownership of, or realize any value from. I'm also being punished for attempting to be honest, even though I'm in a situation where I have no means of getting the required information.

I'm desperate for advice. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Are there any avenues I can explore? Are there any organizations that can help with navigating complex international property disputes?

I'm hoping someone on this forum might have some insight or know where I can turn for help. I'm at my wit's end and don't know what to do.

Hiya, what's come of this so far?

1 post, one visit

Apr 3, 2025

Last Active

Fair Point, I understand It's generally considered good etiquette to refrain from replying to old forum threads, however since it takes a while for this type of thing to get sorted out OP may have forgotten they created this thread.

So im hoping quoting OP will send a notification alerting them - hopefully resulting in a reply that will help others who have bookmarked this thread for future.

seatbeltnoob

Under UC rules you were never entitled to it.

Should have pushed for a settlement and then taken legal action to get the property sold or got the ex to pay you.

The way I see it. You had your cash sitting with your ex and the state subsidised your living.