Debt Relief Orders (DRO) - Information & help thread

Hello,
Firstly I’m new to the forum so my apologies if I’ve posted in the wrong place!

I need to apply for a DRO. Both StepChange and National Debtline have said it best applies to my situation. However they have given me conflicting advice and I’m unsure what to do.

I live with my partner, in his property, my name isn’t on anything. I don’t contribute to mortgage or upkeep of the house. I pay gas, electric, water and council tax.
We have a child (1 year) I’m a stay at home mother.

Firstly, National Debtline wanted to do the budget using household income, so including my partners income. Which was still fine as we are still -£118 per month.
StepChange wanted to budget using solely me, also fine as that makes me even worse off.

So I’m confused as to which is the best way to go about it? Because obviously my partner supports me.
Most importantly, StepChange told me to seek independent advice re: my partners property. Apparently I could have a beneficial interest due to providing childcare.
Now I find his obsurd as I’m aware of what can result in a beneficial interest and I understand their reasoning as to how me providing childcare means I am unable to work etc etc, however, as a mother you look after your child regardless. Perhaps if it were only his child maybe then I’d see StepChanges point.
Anyway, the most important thing for me when applying for this DRO is to ensure my partner is left alone, this is his property, I’ve not contributed in any way, it’s never been intended or implied to be my property. The debts are in my sole name (and also taken out prior to meeting him, but I know that’s irrelevant too).
National Debtline said quite the opposite to Stepchange, they said my partner is irrelevant as “you can’t expect someone else to pay for your debts”.

Does anyone have any experience of this or can offer me any help/info?

Thanks for your time!

fatbelly wrote: »

There is no one way to calculate surplus income so leave that to your intermediary. It sounds like you will qualify however you do it.

When I started reading your post I knew we were heading for Stepchange/beneficial interest. If you search these boards you will see it is a recurring theme and yes it is absurd. The guidelines refer to 'established beneficial interest' - it isn't a problem for you.

Thank you so much for your reply, really appreciate it! I didn’t realise it was a reoccurring theme, but I guess there are thousands in the same living situation as me.
Thank you for your help, now to decide whether it’s best to apply using household income, including my partner, or alone.
If I applied using household income, does it open doors in any way for my partner to be dragged in? Having to submit his payslips, bank statements etc?
Is it commonplace for me to have to submit my bank statements, I shall start collating them if so.