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AIBU?

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To say no to being a guarantor for SC mum?

483 replies

OhYesYouDid0 · 19/04/2025 15:54

Wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this.

My husband has children with his ex partner. I don't have a problem with his ex, we actually get on pretty well and she's a good mum. But I know she struggles with money and being sensible with it, I'm not judging but it's important context to this situation.

She asked recently if DH would meet her for a coffee to discuss something. It turns out she is in a bit of a mess financial and has a large amount of debt. Long story short she is having to leave her current home and downsize but due to poor credit she is having to put down a guarantor on the new property and she has asked that this be DH. She doesn't have much family around other than elderly parents and one brother whom she isn't close to.

DH came home to discuss this with me and I'm at a loss. Honestly I want to say no. We are comfortable financially but there are things we have planned for the next few years that are quite money heavy, an extension on our house, perhaps trying for another child (we have one 5 year old together) and I am reluctant to potentially have those plans put more financial strain on us or have to change completely if she were to need DH to help cover the rent. She assures us it won't come to that but really who knows. She lost her job a couple of years ago (redundancy) and has struggled since then on lower paid ones she says, having taking things on credit she really shouldn't have.

DH is obviously torn as its his children's home but has said he would not agree to anything if I wasn't fully on board.

It's hard, I have absolutely no issue with SC living with us if it helps or being here more often (currently 3 nights per week) but part of me does feel that's where our obligation ends. I am reluctant to put potential strain on my own life, children, finances because of exes money troubles and I want to say no.

WWYD?

OP posts:
OhYesYouDid0 · 19/04/2025 16:00

lnks · 19/04/2025 15:57

Do you and your DH have separate or joints finances?

A bit of both, joint for bills & savings, holidays etc.. and some separate as well

OP posts:
CopperWhite · 19/04/2025 15:59

She’s not asking you, she’s asking her children’s father. If he’s inclined to do it then he should.

Although I think if he does say no, it is only right that he offers to provide the children with a full time home.

redphonecase · 19/04/2025 15:58

No. If she was financially solvent enough for this not to be risky, she wouldn't need a guarantor.

PaintYourAssLikeRembrandt · 19/04/2025 15:57

I absolutely wouldn't be doing this at all.

I would offer to have SC full time though so she can get a flatshare or something.

summernights24 · 19/04/2025 15:57

First post nails it again. You are saying the children can stay if it helps too so I would be the same.

Balloonhearts · 19/04/2025 15:57

No. Absolutely Hell No. You become liable for any rent she can't or won't pay. I wouldn't do this for anyone, save my own mother or kids.

lnks · 19/04/2025 15:57

Do you and your DH have separate or joints finances?

curiouscat1987 · 19/04/2025 15:56

Honestly my thoughts are you'd be insane to agree to this! If youre not happy with the worst case scenario, i.e. that you end up liable for it all, then dont do it.