Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH's secrets and lies

238 replies

UnicornAndSparkles · 21/01/2024 21:42

I'll preface this with the fact that DH is generally a wonderful husband and father. He in incredibly loving and patient and generous and will always go out of his way to be a real 50/50 partner, be that with early starts, sharing the parental load as best we can (he'll always get up early with the kids for instance, and does most of the nursery drop offs and pick ups despite working full time). We've been married for almost 15 years and he is my absolute rock.

But. He has lied to me, on multiple occasions, about finances. At first it was to cover up a drinking problem, which I obviously knew he had, but he wasn't ready to admit to. With a lot of support from myself and others he has overcome and is now 4yrs sober. Something I am hugely proud of him for. But that drinking problem got him into significant debt which he didn't reveal to me. When he got sober he came clean and told me of the loan and credit card debt, totalling around 10k, all repayable within 2y he said. 2y came and went and I presumed it was paid. It's now 2y on and I find out it's not repaid and there's still around 10k to repay so there must have been significantly more at the outset. His company has recently gone bust and he hasn't been paid a salary for around 6m. He initially kept this from me for 2 months, contributing to the family finances as he usually would but only now I find out it was through a credit card. Obviously this was unsustainable and we he revealed the issue we started paying all the bills from our savings, which are almost depleted. I earn money too but not as much as he does, and my salary isn't enough to cover the mortgage and childcare costs. He put off finding a new job as he was sure the money would come in. It didn't and he has admitted he should have got a new job months ago rather than only starting to look now, when we have little savings left to fall back on. He's also revealed that he's been living in his overdraft for 3y. Again, something he kept from me.

He was on a 90k salary, which to me is a huge amount, but is so bad with money that he couldn't budget his spendings. He lives a champagne lifestyle, which I presumed was because he could, but it's become apparent that he couldn't afford half of it. I, on the other hand, would rather save than spend. It gives me far more of a thrill to see savings mounting up and shop in the likes of new look than it does to buy fancy things and not have any savings. Of course I enjoyed the holidays and all the rest of the things DH was spending money on, but only because I thought he could afford it and it was never overly lavish. My salary is far below his and I obviously had a very naive view of what 90k can afford, as it's clearly not the lifestyle we've enjoyed. He's always been this way, his family joke he was always awful with money. But the issue is the lies he's told me, the fact that he's kept the loan amount and credit card bills and overdraft secret from me, whilst the debt mounts up and up. We've always said we share finances and so it came as a shock that he wasn't being open and honest with me. He says he was embarrassed about the whole thing but now I don't feel I can trust him with money and am questionning whether he really does earn £90k or that's an exaggeration, whether the total debt is bigger than the 20k he's admitted to (he initially said it was 8-10k), whether there are more credit cards with payments due. It really worries me as we share a mortgage and have two children.

The crux is I asked him to prove he was being honest with me about the level of debt he now admits to. I've asked to see bank statements showing the figures and the repayment plan. But he won't show me. AIBU? We are very close to having to ask my grandfather to help us with money when our savings run out as until he starts getting paid again my salary cannot cover all of the outgoings (grandfather is in a position to help, financially, and has offered to do so as he is aware that we are living off our savings). Or we default on the mortgage. I cannot believe we're in this situation. I feel cross that he hasn't been honest with me and cross that he didn't up sticks and get a paying job sooner when he realised the company was going bust, but I can't turn back the clock and he recognises he's been a fool. But am I being unreasonable to not be able to trust him with the finances and to want to see the debt in black and white? Or is he unreasonable not to show me the level of debt he (and realistically "we" as we are a partnership) owe?

OP posts:
TreetopsSun · 23/01/2024 16:49

I see all his family will support him emotionally, who is supporting you?

They’ve obviously not told you about money (I’m sure he told them something about not worrying you), but they also comment about how he’s rubbish with money (and again none of them were pushed more). I would just be worried OP (as mentioned in same situation) my DH was brought up in a family of “saving face” (lying) was viewed better than admitting mistakes. I would be worried they may be covering up more for him (especially if he’s begged them his marriage will fall apart).

Get your own back up and team behind you.

RatatouillePie · 23/01/2024 16:56

UnicornAndSparkles · 23/01/2024 16:36

Obviously that wasn't the end of it. More lies have come out. When will this end?!

I encouraged him to tell his family. He refused, saying he would when he could show he's made progress. I pushed further and he admitted he's borrowed £10k from his dad over a year ago and a further £3k from his brother more recently. Again, he was trying to pay off some of the gambling debt debt by gambling and now it's gone. I was furious with him and absolutely blew up. I've told him I need time to take stock and consider whether we have a marriage to save.

He's told his family and I've spoken to them to confirm he's told them everything. They're devastated but will support him emotionally.

Financially I can't afford to leave. I'm absolutely trapped. My savings are almost gone and I work part time due to childcare.

He's said he'll sign over the house to me but I don't even know if this is an option as the mortgage provider may say I'm not earning enough.

To the poster who said this was an AI generated post. I wish.

Ouch, you asked for the full truth, he gave you it, you made it clear that any more lies and the marriage would be over, and you've just found out that wasn't all of it! Not good!

Sounds to me like you need some space.

You say you can't afford for him to leave, but have you looked at what benefits you can claim as a single parent?

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/survey/1/68bf8469-e0da-4c0c-b170-013fa4afd935

As you have a mortgage together, you are already financially linked, so his debt will affect your future lending.

I'd suggest checking what you could claim, then asking him to move out for a couple of months. Can he go and live with his brother or parents?

Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to.

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/survey/1/68bf8469-e0da-4c0c-b170-013fa4afd935

JenniferJupiterVenusandMars · 23/01/2024 17:06

So it’s actually at least £123k he’s gambled away?
I would kick him out, he’s clearly a liar and utterly untrustworthy, that’s no life having him around.

GnomeDePlume · 23/01/2024 17:07

Unfortunately I think you will find there are more lies still to be uncovered. The 6 months of working for no money for one. If that were true then he is a fool.

Either he lost his job some time ago or he has been using his salary to fund yet more gambling/paying off gambling debts. Don't waste time/effort/money chasing this supposed lack of salary.

Has he claimed constructive dismissal? Is he signed on and claiming JSA? Is he even looking for another job?

Alwaysalwayscold · 23/01/2024 17:13

I'm so sorry it's continuing OP.

Has he given you full access to his bank statements yet? I think those are crucial for you to know the truth.

Shoxfordian · 23/01/2024 17:18

He's not wonderful at all, he's a loser who gambled with your financial security

caringcarer · 23/01/2024 17:20

So sorry you are having all this to deal with. Go and see a solicitor and Step Change who deal with debt.

Grimchmas · 23/01/2024 17:21

You say you can't afford to leave him, but how much will staying cost you?

He is an active gambling addict. Just because you've found out and he's saying the right things doesn't mean he's going to change. In fact that's generally not how it works at all.

IncompleteSenten · 23/01/2024 17:22

Don't bring your grandad into this when your husband won't even show you the extent of the debt.

Aquamarine1029 · 23/01/2024 17:28

Obviously that wasn't the end of it. More lies have come out. When will this end?!

Op, so, so many of us have told you that this is exactly what would happen, and it has already, and there will be more and more lies to contend with.

For the sake of your children, end this fucking madness right now before you lose absolutely everything. Don't be my cousin who refused to leave her lying, addict husband and lost everything, her home, her vehicle, her savings, her credit standing, and of course the marriage as well. Her and her kids lives were ruined by her husband's actions.

I don't understand why you refuse to believe what we're all telling you. Get out while you still have a chance of picking up the pieces.

ThirtyThrillionThreeTrees · 23/01/2024 17:37

My heart goes out to and while I understand it's an addiction, you cannot trust a single word he says until he's a full year clean after treatment. If he says the grass is green, look down to double check. I'm serious, accept nothing more he says without verifiable evidence.

Then start making a list:

  1. Share this with someone you can trust- a close friend or family member as you need support too
  2. Arrange a meeting with a solicitor for advise on your home and how best to protect yourself
  3. Get copies of all bank statements
  4. No more joint accounts - all salary, child benefit everything to your account only
  5. Only be involved with Step Change and other solution if solicitor believes this is of benefit to you- otherwise it's his to fix

I'm ensure on whether you should leave the rest to him on his own but he needs to at a minimium

  1. Self exclude from all gambling sites (also watch his next move addicts often move to crypto, spot trading, fx dealing etc)
  2. Arrange addiction counselling
  3. Get a job - any job but immediately
  4. Come up with a plan to start repaying the debt or meet with step change etc

I'm sure I'm missing things that others will hopefully add.

Let your head rule your heart on this one. From now on, it's all about protecting you, your kids and your home. He cones after all of that. Also tell your grandad or anyone else he is likely to hit up for money.

adultchildofalcoholicparents · 23/01/2024 17:38

OP, be assured that your most recent update surprises very few people here.

There will be more financial landmines that you will discover. Full disclosure never is and you will not have a partner in your struggle for financial survival. Involuntarily, you will be shackled to a (self) saboteur who is unable to acknowledge the full scale of the problems.

Do not trust that he has told his family more than a version of your current circumstances.

Kwam31 · 23/01/2024 17:41

OP, I can only echo everyone here.
Please divorce him, my parents lost their home due to my dad's gambling.
He's an addict and whether it's gambling, drugs or drink it's all the same; they will sell their granny to fund it.
His gambling will always come before you and your kids.
You will manage, maybe a differ t lifestyle but you'll manage and you'll be safe and not worrying about what will happen next.
You can never trust him, put that on repeat.

Phineyj · 23/01/2024 17:58

Tell your granddad everything.

See a lawyer. Take their advice.

I only earn around £35k but with a decent deposit I was able to get a buy to let in my own name (I own the house I live in jointly with DH).

cheddercherry · 23/01/2024 18:11

Tell your family, see a lawyer and get yourself and your kids free of his mess. If your grandad was offering to bail him out I’m sure he’ll help get you out. There will inevitably be more lies even now, and he STILL hasn’t been absolutely honest with you and cannot be trusted. As brutal as it sounds you don’t know him, you know a version of himself that he wanted you to see. He’s not going to change who he is, but he will carry on dragging you and your kids down.

SecondHandFurniture · 23/01/2024 18:18

I need financial advice as to what to do about the mortgage we share. I don't know if it's sensible to have it in my sole name now. I don't want to come across as money grabbing but in the circumstances I can't trust that he won't remortgage without my knowledge.

He'd have to forge a fair amount of documents to remortgage. You can't remove him easily unfortunately and you'd usually need a solicitor, which is more money. You're better off just continuing the payments (do NOT default, speak to the lender first) until he's got a new salary.

You won't be able to change lender. If you're on a fixed rate, you'll have to take whatever rate they offer when it ends.

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 23/01/2024 18:36

Please, please get some advice from a good divorce solicitor .

How can you ever trust him again after this? I am so sorry, what a terrible situation.

Mnk711 · 23/01/2024 19:12

Oh OP I'm so sorry but not surprised. Some good advice on the thread about what to do but you absolutely must separate from him to protect yourself and your children. More lies will come out. As a PP said get a solicitor's advice on what to do but if you can get the house signed over to you so much the better. Then perhaps he needs to declare bankruptcy and live with family for a while until he cab get back on his feet. Have confidence that you will find a way forward without him. Good luck.

Mnk711 · 23/01/2024 19:14

Also leaving him might actually be kinder to him in the long run as it may be the push he needs to sort himself out properly.

Greensleevevssnotnose · 23/01/2024 19:23

Gosh this is awful. My oh did something similar including fraudulent remortgaging our house. I hope you get it sorted.

Windmill34 · 23/01/2024 19:31

OMG he’s not a gambler is a serious gambler 😡

How you are getting up each day and going to work with all this on your head ! This is enough to give anyone a breakdown

Im sorry OP, but he’s bled you dry with not even a thought of you or your boys .
If you hadn’t if found out there is no way he would have told you.
It would have only been a matter of time before the house would have gone under your feet

You can never trust/ live with a liar, sorry you will drive yourself mental thinking what’s he doing
You can NOT control anyone
when he’s on his phone/at work/late home
your gonna be thinking
what’s he doing ? Where’s he gone ?
Not to mention the anger of all this money he’s literally put down the drain just to chase his stupid dream if winning big
and lies the lies tat have rolled of his tongue one after another.

Don’t think you have to stay with him because you think you can’t keep your house

The very FIRST thing you do is put all YOUR money figures in to
turn2us benefit website
your wages
nursery fees
mortgage
everything the site asks you

Mortgages companies take benefits into account now, plus if you get Universal Credit
im sure they pay interest only on mortgage
someone will put me right on that
you get the house signed over to you asap when you’ve done your calculations
You only need building society to sign over joint owner to single owner , then solicitor to see it over . (That’s what I did)

You get free hrs nursery ?
when do they start nursery school ?

please get away from him, he will drag you down with him
Hes had alcohol addiction
Hes had gambling addiction

Drug addiction next because he can’t cope in the real life

out yourself and the little guys first and don’t be naive ever again

Gettingbysomehow · 23/01/2024 19:40

If he doesn't pay off every penny of this debt himself he will never learn. Also he will never change. Once a liar always a liar. A good father and husband does not do this. They are responsible adults. I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land to think he will ever change.
He only ever admits to anything when you have already rumbled him. He d never have told you otherwise.
I just heard an ex colleague of mine ran up debts of £150'000. When his wife found out they had a row and he drove off in the car and killed himself.
His poor wife and the kids have now been left to arrange a funeral sell their house really close to her retirement and she has to go bankrupt. She has nothing whatsoever.

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/01/2024 20:33

Mnk711 · 23/01/2024 19:14

Also leaving him might actually be kinder to him in the long run as it may be the push he needs to sort himself out properly.

This. All this effort to steal his rock bottom. Everyone knew he wouldn't tell the full truth. And he didn't.

OP love, we can all see you trying to think of a reason to stay that won't ruin your life. You're in a terrible situation. You are with someone who has NEVER been in recovery. All the warm fuzzies you had about his battles were a lie. He just changed substance.

I'm so sorry because his shit will affect your ability to live happily for a long time. But you have to do what you need to, hard as that is. And that is to leave.

Starfish1021 · 23/01/2024 20:44

I’ve just read your thread and wanted to say how sorry I was you are going through this. A couple of things, try hard not to tell yourself you are trapped. You have options, there are childminders to patch work getting a full time job and you have a supportive grandparent. There is going to be some incredible upheavals but they are coming regardless. I think most marriages would struggle to come back from this deep a betrayal. But remember, you don’t have to make all the decisions all at once.

Barbarbaranne · 23/01/2024 20:46

OP this is heartbreaking, I'm so sorry. Your head must be all over the place as you move through your emotions.
You need to shift your thinking to a place when you are separate to your DH. He isn't a great bloke - he's a good actor.

I say this from experience but you must understand - if you stay, you and your children will never have ANYTHING. You will live your life on eggshells while he continues to plot and out-manoeuvre you.

I can guarantee the latest bombshell won't be the last. Over £130k of your future down the drain. That money could have been a house, a retirement, getting your kids on the housing ladder.

Get some legal advice as a priority and then work out how to protect you and your kids. Your DH has been looking after his own interests for a long time and WILL continue to do so. Don't be fooled twice. You and your kids deserve way better than this. There is support out there for you, let the shock and anger drive you for a bit. Sending fortitude xx