Divorce due to emotional abuse and alcoholism

[JulietteLeGall]

How do I go about this? He has moved out from our rented home. No assets. 2 children still living with me. He is self employed with variable income. I am unemployed as became homemaker after having children. How do I start the process, am I entitled to any maintenance?

Put a claim in for Universal Credit now.

I claimed as soon as he left, but they messed it up so I have to pay back a £450 overpayment and only get £300 after my rent is paid - not £750 as previously thought!!

He would have to be honest about his earnings, will he be?

Sorry I'd also add the children are entitled to child maintenance, it's very unusual for a spouse to be, unless in exceptional circumstances, ie long marriage, too old to retrain, special needs kids etc.

For child maintenance he needs to be honest about what he earns.

Unlikely to be honest

As it stands I will have to move as my current rent is unaffordable. The children have lived here all their lives.

Do I have to pay to get divorced?

Will I be exempt from fees does anyone know? Will I need proof?

I can't answer on the divorce costs so bumping for you.

It's worth putting in a claim for child maintenance via the child support agency, see what he does. Don't let him off Scott free without trying. You both owe it to your kids to do so. He should be financially supporting them as per the law and to a certain percentage of his earnings

However I guess abusive alcoholics are not always great at being stand up guys, especially if they can hide their incomes and not declare it.

Can you work? How old are the kids? Do you have child care available? Working if possible is often the best route, although clearly not always possible.