seperation and pension

susiesue_2

hello,
iam separated from OH now for nearly 2 years. i bought his share of the house by re-mortagaing and he now has his own house. 60/40 split as i have the 2 kids. he gives me child maintainace but nothing for my self(i dont want it and hve nver asked).
he has been in his company pension scheme since he was 18 (40 this year) he married me when he was 24.
would i be entitled to claim some of it. initially i said i wouldn't if he would have the kids whilst i worked-he wants to see his GF now at weekends so thats gone out the window.
i dont know where i stand as the house is all settled although not through the courts. he said that as i got the house i wouldn't get anything else, though i had to double the mortage overnight.

i need to get my own pension started and hope to work for the NHS when i graduate(hopefully) in july.

hope some one can give me some advice

olly300

Seeing and maintaining your children, maintenance for you and splitting what's left of the marriage asserts are all separate issues and shouldn't be confused.

You need to make it clear to your ex that he needs to make provision to see your children on his own, and with his family without you. Your children have a right to this and if it eats into his time with his girlfriend then tough as it's not the children's fault.

Whether you are going to get divorced or not you should see a solicitor, which you may get legal aid for. You still have legal rights to each other estates as you are still married, so you may still have legal rights to his pension and his death in service benefits.

chesky369

You should also make contact with the Pensions Office to find out about your state pension - as you aren't divorced, you will receive a married woman's pension which may be less advantageous to you than a single person's pension.