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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To end my marriage tomorrow

733 replies

Shedding123 · 17/02/2026 21:27

Apologies for the dear Deirdre style title. Sat in shock on couch and just need a quick unbiased metaphorical talking to here.
DH and I been struggling for a long time now, stress of 2 kids one with physical disability and one with mental health challenges. Anger has been simmering in him for a while, he’s made digs about putting the kids first, not meeting his needs (we no longer share a room as I’m in with our dd who is on oxygen overnight and I can’t sleep unless I’m next to her, this is one of many many many examples).
we’ve been bumbling along essentially as flatmates under the same roof and I guess I thought once things more stable with the kids things might improve. Anyway it all kicked off tonight and I’m utterly devastated. We are away for half term in a placr
dear to our hearts and he’s been so moody for the last few days. Tonight the kids were squabbling and I eventually
had enough trying to deal with it solo so went into the room he’s been in all evening reading and asked if he was planning on coming to help me at all. Passive aggressiveness never good, I know. He lost it, stormed through, swore at the kids, my daughter told him it’s not nice to swear and he just started ranting on about how she’s too much like me, rude, how dare I be so rude to him, how dare I blame everything on him, I asked him calmly to stop in front of the kids and said this needs to be an adult
conversation between us and he laughed and said no chance, it’s good for the kids to hear how manipulative I am. It was horrendous. Our daughter was crying, our son was just stuck begging it to stop. He then calmly put the kettle on and handed me a cup of tea and told me to be grateful and is now reading in the other room again. I have no idea how a divorce would work, he is 68 so has said in spiteful moments he will retire if I leave him so he won’t pay anything, I earn low as am a carer for our daughter, I literally cannot imagine how we could run 2 houses. But there is no coming back from tonight is there? I know he will blame it all on me to the children but this feels so abusive towards them too having had to sit through that😭

OP posts:
Waywardremote · 18/02/2026 09:39

I'd suggest counselling first - you get on well when he's not simmering with anger - his anger needs to be addressed - you have a lot to cope with. ANd holidays, spending 24/7 high expectations of a good time - often go wrong. Take a breath before making a big decision on this - there is no rush.

ForEdgyHare · 18/02/2026 09:38

When I was in the fog about ending my marriage what helped me was understanding that knowledge had power.
Writing down income/outgoings
Assets (there wasn’t much tbf 🤣)
Benefits calculation on entitled to.
Chatting with womens aid and some areas have a legal clinic which helped me see that some behaviours of his were emotionally abusive. Also they were unbiased, they didn’t know me or him. They gave me their advice which actually helped me feel less alone.
Once I had that information, I felt more confident in making a decision.
Ultimately we didn’t separate, a long story. But as emotional as you feel right now, a logical approach will stand you in good stead for what comes next. I won’t jump into what he has done or ponder why he has behaved this way. You will already be doing that. But start looking at how life would look without him.

inkognitha · 18/02/2026 09:36

I m sorry for the children.

OP and her husband were very mature adults when they decided to have kids (and my guess is that OP wanted it more than the husband) when old, broke, with low quality sperm and without being ready for parenthood.

usedtobeaylis · 18/02/2026 09:35

Oops.posted too quick

ThatCyanCat · 18/02/2026 09:34

Imdunfer · 18/02/2026 09:29

I wrote nothing that entitles you to come to that conclusion, other than on understand the effects of being nearly 70 which you cannot know until you live it.

Edited

You absolutely did, and additionally it's rather telling that you think it's "entitled" of someone to criticise something that you say.

IvyTwines · 18/02/2026 09:34

Whilst 'sterilisation' is a bit extreme, it's true that older parents are more likely to have children with disabilities. And by 'older', the statistics mean over 35! If he's fathering babies in his late 50s the statistical likelihood of this sort of situation is greatly increased. And he is a rat fink for wanting to leave the younger mother in a situation his older age is likely responsible for.

ginasevern · 18/02/2026 09:33

Imdunfer · 18/02/2026 09:32

Oh absolutely.

There is a hard wired difference in the sexes between which parents are prepared to abandon their children and which aren't.

Yep indeed.

Imdunfer · 18/02/2026 09:32

ThiagoJones · 18/02/2026 08:48

I expect that it’s very rare for women of that age to start ditching their familial responsibilities, hoarding their money and being abusive to those around them, though. It appears to be mainly male behaviour, regardless of the pressures around them.

Oh absolutely.

There is a hard wired difference in the sexes between which parents are prepared to abandon their children and which aren't.

Imdunfer · 18/02/2026 09:29

ThatCyanCat · 18/02/2026 08:54

You read this and think OP is the one lacking empathy and understanding?

I wrote nothing that entitles you to come to that conclusion, other than on understand the effects of being nearly 70 which you cannot know until you live it.

MrsJeanLuc · 18/02/2026 09:28

Shedding123 · 18/02/2026 05:51

Even though he was anti- medical treatment and therefore the loan? I just accepted it and as it’s a 5 year loan it is doable for me from my earnings. Our current finances are such that I pay all bills apart from phones, and he pays for sky sports package as he likes it, and he transfers me £1700 monthly to cover his share of bills/ food/ petrol etc. not sure what he does with remainder of his wage which only struck me tonight. Nothing makes sense all of a sudden.

Even though he was anti- medical treatment and therefore the loan?

Yes of course.
But the pp doesn't mean he will have to pay half of the repayments - it goes into the mix with everything else.
As does the value of the house even though you used your inheritance to pay off the mortgage.

MrsLizzieDarcy · 18/02/2026 09:27

This is the reality of large age gap relationships. Most men I've met past 60 are already half way into turning into Victor Meldrew/Basil Fawlty. Add in young kids and additional needs - I'm feeling a little bit sorry for him in truth as well as you.

Life shouldn't and doesn't have to be this hard. And why he's like this is largely irrelevant anyway. But what is clear is that you can't both survive in this marriage. I totally agree that you need to plan your escape route before you end up caring for 3.

Lalgarh · 18/02/2026 09:23

Applewisp · 18/02/2026 08:10

Can we please just put it on blast to women not to marry men old enough to be their dads? There is something WRONG with a man who wants such an age gap and their sperm is TOXIC. They should all be sterilized to bring down the risk of children born with disabilities.

The eugenicists have arrived

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 18/02/2026 09:16

As awful as it is, the hate from him has come from your lack of sex life

Nonsense.
The hate from him has come from the fact that he's a selfish cunt who doesn't respect his wife or love his children.

MiserableMrsMopp · 18/02/2026 09:15

I feel very much for the OP, obviously. This abuse from her DH isn't acceptable and is definitely grounds for divorce.

But starting a family with a man who was almost 60 at the time was not a good idea. Old man's sperm is known to be the cause of many birth defects. And they have disabled children.

Also adding in the age factor. I am 60. There is no way on earth I could cope with NT children at my age. It would be too much. Why anyone (him particularly, but also OP) thought having children at that age would be a good idea I don't know.

That doesn't change the fact of course that the children are here now and are vulnerable. Leaving him is the best thing for everyone. The children, her AND him.

AfternoonVanessa · 18/02/2026 09:12

Your husband can get a mortgage op if he has a private pension. It's taxed income. The age may be restricted to 80. We have a new mortgage in our sixties as we're pensioned and insured.

You need to think about your future as a dependent child will need extra funds for housing. You have a job and can be mortgaged at 3/4 x your £29k income at 41. No problem. Twenty five or thirty year mortgage will make it affordable. You said you own 60% of the house so you could buy him out.
Next he has to declare all income even if he retires. Pensions are usually at 50/66 % of final salary. He's not going to be poor.

It might be an age thing, it might be he's a shit. You said his family supported him as an addict, are they wealthy, is he due an inheritance he doesn't want to share?

Fwiw we have a sen young adult and it's been a hard road. I'm not sure our DD will ever live independently. Decent people make the best of it not level abuse at their family.

SpinandSing · 18/02/2026 09:08

As awful as it is, the hate from him has come from your lack of sex life. That isn't your fault - it's complex and totally understandable that you felt rejected by him when you were a different weight and shape. But now he feels rejected by you. And that leads to disrespect and contempt. He blames you, he blames the kids ... doesn't sound like he blames himself. It's very hard to come back from this. You are both living in a highly pressurised environment and, perhaps your attachment style of parenting is pushing you further apart. Such differences in parenting approach can really make one parent feel inferior and frustrated. But also understandable that you've taken this approach with two children that need a high level of care. What do you really need from him besides money? There's no space for your relationship if you aren't truly co-parenting. And why he should he co-parent your way if he doesn't believe in it?

It sounds as though you both need to learn how to communicate with each other. The only way to do this now would be with counselling. But maybe it's too little, too late.

ThatCyanCat · 18/02/2026 09:07

ThisOldThang · 18/02/2026 09:00

Who can honestly say that they've never shouted at their children?

The OP (passive aggressively) asked him to help with the kids who were running riot. He came in and shouted at them. That's a role that lots of dads are expected to play - 'shall I tell daddy what you've done?' or 'wait until daddy gets home'.

Children can be very manipulative. Is there a back story here? Does the OP indulge her daughter due to her disability? Does she undermine her husband when he attempts to discipline bad behaviour, such as manipulation?

The OP (passive aggressively) asked him to help with the kids who were running riot.

She wanted him to do some parenting with her? Pass agg bitch!

Children can be very manipulative.

Yeah! They're in charge, aren't they? Blame the children!

That's a role that lots of dads are expected to play - 'shall I tell daddy what you've done?' or 'wait until daddy gets home'.

It's not his fault, he was pressured into this role that I just made up!

Does the OP indulge her daughter due to her disability? Does she undermine her husband when he attempts to discipline bad behaviour, such as manipulation?

That nasty woman, caring for her child who's so manipulative with her disability! The poor, poor man!

The pretzels some people will tie themselves up in to excuse a horrible angry man...

ThisOldThang · 18/02/2026 09:02

MustWeDoThis · 18/02/2026 09:01

How will being retired stop him from paying child maintenance? Child Maintenance will take it from his pension. He is not invincible to the law just because he's retired. You need to contact CAB and see where you legally stand. This isn't healthy for anyone. You will get UC to top you up as well, so you won't be destitute. You can get Carer's Element on UC.

Also, 68 with young children...jesus. Are you sure his attitude isn't coming from some form of early onset dementia? Or just the fact he's too old to be in this family dynamic and you need someone young and healthy with mental capacity to handle this? Sorry if I am coming across as harsh, but I see too many consequences of older parents having this damaging effect on children. It's not fair on anyone. Unless of course they are adult children, then you need to call your LA and ask for some carer support.

Child Maintenance is, apparently, £3.50 if the person paying is retired.

ManchesterGirl2 · 18/02/2026 09:01

This doesn't sound like a marriage OP.

He doesn't come home for dinner. He does not contribute to care for the children. You've gone into debt to pay for your daughter's medical expenses yourself, and yet you have no visibility of where a large chunk of his salary is going. There doesn't seem to be love here.

See a solicitor, research how you can survive on your own, and find freedom.

MustWeDoThis · 18/02/2026 09:01

Shedding123 · 17/02/2026 21:27

Apologies for the dear Deirdre style title. Sat in shock on couch and just need a quick unbiased metaphorical talking to here.
DH and I been struggling for a long time now, stress of 2 kids one with physical disability and one with mental health challenges. Anger has been simmering in him for a while, he’s made digs about putting the kids first, not meeting his needs (we no longer share a room as I’m in with our dd who is on oxygen overnight and I can’t sleep unless I’m next to her, this is one of many many many examples).
we’ve been bumbling along essentially as flatmates under the same roof and I guess I thought once things more stable with the kids things might improve. Anyway it all kicked off tonight and I’m utterly devastated. We are away for half term in a placr
dear to our hearts and he’s been so moody for the last few days. Tonight the kids were squabbling and I eventually
had enough trying to deal with it solo so went into the room he’s been in all evening reading and asked if he was planning on coming to help me at all. Passive aggressiveness never good, I know. He lost it, stormed through, swore at the kids, my daughter told him it’s not nice to swear and he just started ranting on about how she’s too much like me, rude, how dare I be so rude to him, how dare I blame everything on him, I asked him calmly to stop in front of the kids and said this needs to be an adult
conversation between us and he laughed and said no chance, it’s good for the kids to hear how manipulative I am. It was horrendous. Our daughter was crying, our son was just stuck begging it to stop. He then calmly put the kettle on and handed me a cup of tea and told me to be grateful and is now reading in the other room again. I have no idea how a divorce would work, he is 68 so has said in spiteful moments he will retire if I leave him so he won’t pay anything, I earn low as am a carer for our daughter, I literally cannot imagine how we could run 2 houses. But there is no coming back from tonight is there? I know he will blame it all on me to the children but this feels so abusive towards them too having had to sit through that😭

How will being retired stop him from paying child maintenance? Child Maintenance will take it from his pension. He is not invincible to the law just because he's retired. You need to contact CAB and see where you legally stand. This isn't healthy for anyone. You will get UC to top you up as well, so you won't be destitute. You can get Carer's Element on UC.

Also, 68 with young children...jesus. Are you sure his attitude isn't coming from some form of early onset dementia? Or just the fact he's too old to be in this family dynamic and you need someone young and healthy with mental capacity to handle this? Sorry if I am coming across as harsh, but I see too many consequences of older parents having this damaging effect on children. It's not fair on anyone. Unless of course they are adult children, then you need to call your LA and ask for some carer support.

Geneticsbunny · 18/02/2026 09:01

You don't need to care for your daughter for life and it will not be the best thing for her if you do because her care and support will all crash when you die. As she gets older, you can slowly get more and more care support in place at a pace which works for you both until she is living independently. She could be living somewhere with support at 18 if that is what is best for you or in your home but with carers coming in so she is independent from you.

Iamnotalemming · 18/02/2026 09:00

@Shedding123
It's time for you to get clinically calm and do your homework. There are a lot of red flags in the situation you describe and you should find out what life without your husband would look like to inform your decisions.

I do think it is worth contacting Women's Aid to see whether they can offer any support. Some of the financial stuff you mention does not sound right.

You should look into local family law solicitors and see which ones offer a free hour of initial advice (many do). Ask if they have experience of splits involving disabled children. Before you use this hour do your homework. Write down all the info you have about finances, assets, debts, house value and your childrens' needs. Look for any docs you can find about your husbands pensions and bank accounts and take pics. Also write down all your questions and order them in terms of importance.

Seek out some IRL support. You sound desperately like you need a hug.

Sending you strength and best wishes Flowers💪

ThisOldThang · 18/02/2026 09:00

Who can honestly say that they've never shouted at their children?

The OP (passive aggressively) asked him to help with the kids who were running riot. He came in and shouted at them. That's a role that lots of dads are expected to play - 'shall I tell daddy what you've done?' or 'wait until daddy gets home'.

Children can be very manipulative. Is there a back story here? Does the OP indulge her daughter due to her disability? Does she undermine her husband when he attempts to discipline bad behaviour, such as manipulation?

ApplebyArrows · 18/02/2026 08:59

Let this be a warning to any other young women thinking of marrying a man twice their age who has wasted almost his entire life up to that point!

Stifledlife · 18/02/2026 08:55

It sounds like there is something else going on here, and your family are just an irritation while he concerns himself with his other matters.

He has definitely checked out, and I suspect you have no other option but to move on.
Neither you or your children should have to live walking on eggshells, waiting for an explosion.

Would he even want to see the children when he leaves?
Speak to a solicitor ASAP to work out your financial situation, taking as much documentation as possible.
You are probably entitled to more than you think, but either way, knowledge is power and you will feel stronger knowing where you stand.

Best of luck. You've got this.