I need to leave him... Worried I can't afford to.

[geordiegeorgie]

After years of trying, and couples counselling, I have made the sad decision that I need to leave my husband. The marriage is making me miserable, and more importantly, creating a miserable environment for our children.

My worry is - I don't think i can afford to leave. We have zero savings, and he is the main breadwinner. I work part time in a job with a salary of approx 20k. I'm desperately trying to find something full time. I don't know what to do. Advice please x

No real advice, but didn't want to read and not acknowledge your post. Is it worth speaking to the CAB to see if they can tell you about any benefits you may be entitled to? Good luck OP

I was going to say benefits calculate in the first instance and then try to increase incoming in the longer term once all sorted.
It's a tough journey to start but once you're on it, you'll get things sorted . Good luck x

Try the benefits calculator here:
www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/startcalc.aspx

and/or here:
benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

and/or go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and get them to do it for you.

The divorce need not be expensive unless either party causes issues.

Do you have children together?

Get your benefits sorted out and talk to the council about being rehoused.
If it comes to it and he is difficult about the divorce you can probably get legal aid in your situation or there is always waiting 5 years and then applying for a divorce.

Is the house owned ? How old are the children?

A settlement looks at the needs of the children so if you are primary carer this is housing and their costs.
Your h will also need housing but if he had a good salary he .at be able to get a larger mortgage.

Your age and his are factors, relating to his and yours earning capacity.
Is there pensions?

Most people manage to survive post divorce, sadly women are often worse off financially but happier in general.Men do better financially but are less happy.

You will be able to make it work..if you know his salary you can use the CMS calculator.

Surely you need to be looking for a job which means that you can leave and be financial stable/responsible for yourself.