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Husband wants to separate after 20 years marriage

38 replies

BeFancyRoseReader · 18/08/2025 08:08

Hey just joined this group, really need advice, don't know where to turn! After 20 years of marriage and being together for 35 years (im 52) husband told me over the phone he wants to separate, haven't been getting along for a few months I will admit, but very hard to keep a relationship going when he works away all week and only home at weekends, I work Saturdays so only have time on a Sunday. Said he wants to be on his own, we'll 80% of our marriage has been on our own, i have brought up the boys mainly on my own over the years, ive asked him to be home more, but still chooses to be away all week my 3 boys are all adults and we have 2 beautiful grandchildren, he hasnt spoken to our boys, they are very angry and hurt, he is keeping himself apart from them all. I was looking forward to our time now, doing the things we want together but now he has changed all that, I cant afford the house on my own, he wants to move out and I don't know what to do, also I heard this week im being made redundant due to closure of my company, im in bits, been very emotional and cant understand why this is all happening, any advice would be greatly received.

OP posts:
Zempy · 18/08/2025 08:23

You need to get legal advice asap. 💐

arcticpandas · 18/08/2025 08:23

So sorry OP. But seems like you are already emotionally separated and have been for a while.

See a solicitor asap. You might have to move but you'll be fine. Please don't bring your children in to this even if they are adults. They must be able to love their dad even if he wants to separate from their mum. They should not be angry with him because he hasn't really done anything wrong. You are and have always been estranged and now he wants an official divorce. This might be tough but it could be liberating after some time. It seems like your main concern is money. Ask a friend to start looking with you for suitable housing once you know how much you will get for the house (50%). You will be fine. 💐

Thriftnugget · 18/08/2025 08:23

I’m so sorry to read this, how devastating. Your emotions will be in turmoil but my advice would be to not waste time in getting legal advice and securing your financial position. In particular get as much information as you can about all of your joint finances, don’t lose any time on doing this. And get emotional support and while you’re bound to want to support your sons ensure you prioritise your own needs and allow/advise them to lean on others. They need to support you.
in the medium term remember you are still relatively young. This is massive but your life is still full of promise. But you are at the lifeboat stage now, don’t try to think too far ahead.

Bananapotato · 18/08/2025 08:22

See a solicitor and take their advice. Don’t try to be nice - he won’t be.

good luck.

schoolsoutforever · 18/08/2025 08:21

This must be such a shock, especially in a week where you have had bad news about your job too. My advice would be to gather all your financial documentation together now and book to see a solicitor. It's awful for you but you would be best advised to throwing yourself into ensuring that you are best placed in a settlement. As hard as this is for you, it will be important in the long term. Sending strength.

PamIsAVolleyballChamp · 18/08/2025 08:21

tryingtobesogood · 18/08/2025 08:20

He’s already checked out I’m afraid. Please protect yourself and your finances asap.

Agree with above. But do you work in the week as well or only a Saturday? Is he happy with the slog of a lorry driving life?

tryingtobesogood · 18/08/2025 08:20

He’s already checked out I’m afraid. Please protect yourself and your finances asap.

BeFancyRoseReader · 18/08/2025 08:19

Have tried to talk but he just won't tell me why? It's like talking to a brick wall, just says he wants to be on his own, or he walks away

OP posts:
RattyMcBatty · 18/08/2025 08:18

See a solicitor asap. How much equity is in the house? Make sure you know where any savings are held, and where his pension(s) are as well as your own.

BeFancyRoseReader · 18/08/2025 08:17

He is a lorry driver, stays in his lorry all week

OP posts:
user1492757084 · 18/08/2025 08:15

Where does he live all week?
Does he already own another home?
I would not make any decisions based on a phone call. You both need to sit down and have proper, respectful conversation.

OnAMissionToLoseWeight · 18/08/2025 08:12

You deserve better. Remember that.

Seek legal advice asap before making any decisions re moving out etc.

GrumpyExpat · 18/08/2025 08:12

I’d put money on him having met someone else. I’m sorry. Get your ducks in a row as well as you through the shock.