Separating with a toddler and joint mortgage, what are my options?

[Tryingmybestmumma]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice because I’m feeling completely stuck.
My daughter is 16 months old, and her dad and I are separating after trying to make the relationship work since she was around 4 months old. Throughout my pregnancy, the birth, and since she was born, he has been incredibly unsupportive.
I’ve done everything on my own. Even while I was on maternity leave, I continued to pay my 50% share of the household bills. On top of that, I’ve paid for all of our home improvements, including a new kitchen and bathroom.
When it comes to our daughter, I’ve covered virtually everything myself: her pram, cot, highchair, car seat, clothes, toiletries, nappies, and everything else she has needed. He hasn’t contributed financially towards any of these things, and he hasn’t even contributed towards her birthday or Christmas presents. Instead, he has chosen to spend his money on beer and weed. There has also been a lot of lying and gaslighting, and I’ve reached the point where enough is enough. I need to do what’s best for my daughter and myself.
My problem is that we own our home together. I can’t afford to take on the mortgage by myself, but I also can’t afford to sell and rent somewhere on my own. From what I understand, I don’t think I’d qualify for housing support or many benefits, so I feel completely trapped and don’t know where to turn.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or can offer any advice on what my options might be? I’d really appreciate any guidance. Thank you.

Are you married?

No thankfully

Sorting out a mortgage is more tricky than divorce. However, being married has more advantages, especially (in my experience) when it comes to divorce..
Divorce requires a legally binding agreement on the settlement of all assets, including the house. This would legally require maybe a 50/50 on the house. So one would buy the other out.

As there is no marriage, I'm not sure. You can try citizens advice, or mediation could potentially be an option.

Sorry you are in this situation, it's rubbish and going to be tough.
You should be able to get a small mortgage if you are working, but I appreciate child care is a problem that would possibly be the child maintenance department?

I was in same situation; we were not married and had a toddler. When we split I moved in with my mum as I was still paying half the mortgage on our joint home so couldn’t afford to rent. He bought me out of my share of the house and then I found a flat to rent for my son and I. This was over a decade ago but I was entitled to housing benefit as a single parent even though it worked full time (earned about £24k at the time). I also got working tax credits towards his nursery fees. I realise the benefit system has changed since then and I’m not familiar with it now but I think there are calculators online that tell you everything you’re entitled to. Of course you’re also entitled to CSA payments from the father.

All you can do is sell the house and split any equity 50/50. Then apply for CMS
unfortunately you have no other protection as not married, you’ll be surprised what benefits you'll be entitled to once single