practical help about splitting up-finances, benefits etc

[HelenHighwater]

(soon to be x)p and I have decided today to call an end to our 9 year relationship.

We aren't married and have one ds (2yo). I've been a SAHM for the past 2 years so have no job but looking for something p/t now. I've recently started a full-time course.

I have nothing to my name. House is partner's.

I don't know where to start to go about financial matters/benefits/where to live etc.

I dearly don't want to leave my course as it's the first step in a career I've always wanted to do but it's looking like I might have to.

Anyone any advice? Been through anything similar?

[Sallypuss]

I don't have any advice but couldn't bear to see your post go unanswered and wanted to give this a bump. Best of luck.

[onetiredmummy]

Hi Helen,

Yes I'm going through similar now. I'm going to try the citizens advice bureau when they open on Tues as have been told they will have helpful stuff for me.

[mumblechum]

Unfortunately you are in many ways stuffed because you aren't married, so aren't entitled to spousal maintenance, a large chunk of equity or a share of his pension.

what you are of course entitled to are:

1. Child maintenance at 15% of his net income

1. You could make an application for you and your dc to stay in the house until their 18th birthday, but the chances are slim unless your dp is fairly wealthy and can afford for that to happen. (Schedule 1 of the Children Act)

1. If y ou've made financial contributions while you were working you could make an application under the Trusts of Lands legislation for a declaration that he holds the house in trust for both of you, and an order that he sells it and gives you some money.

1. So far as benefits etc are concerned, have a look on EntitledTo.com or whatever it's called to do an online assesments. You shuld get child tax credit & poss. various other benefits but I'm not really au fait with the benefits side.

Good luck. You will get through this.