Separating whilst under the same roof? What do I have to do first?

[Othername5]

Hi! I am a mum of a 18month old boy. My husband has debts, but is still running his own business, he is getting into more and more trouble and does not take any advice from me. He has not been able to pay for food, bills and now has to fight to get the rent together every month. I would love to just go back to work, but just can't afford the childcare. It has gotten so bad that I had to move in with my mum overseas as to not get into any more trouble myself. However I am now back in the UK and it is just getting from bad to worse.

Anyway, I am sick of living like this. Does anyone now how I should go about a separation?

Should we separate whilst living together so that I can apply for benefits, then try to get my own flat and then get work and childcare worked out? Or should I apply for social housing and move into a hostel first and then separate?

Thanks so much!

[GuiltyMumOf2]

Hi!

I would be very wary of hostel accommodation. I support families at work who live in these placements and they are not nice at all especially with children. My advice would be to sort the money first. Also see if you can get advice locally re housing, the council may have a deposit help scheme for example.