I've name changed and posting here for traffic because I need your help please.
I've been in this awful relationship since I was a teenager. We later married (17 yrs ago) and have two nearly grown children. The relationship has been abusive from the get go - early on physical but that's petered out. Definitely emotional.
Despite me having an outwardly successful career (breadwinner and main carer) I'm anxiety ridden (to the point I've had to go hospital from panic attacks) from this relationship.
I woke up yesterday and am certain I've had enough. I no longer need to rely on the pittance he contributes (both monetary and effort). He threatens me with the children (they're not his, he'll get paternity tests etc) and now the fact he'll take the house from me. This is what has stopped me acting before. I was raised on a council estate (nothing wrong with that) but I've worked my fucking ass off to get us on the property ladder and I'm the one who's single handedly paid for every single thing in this house. I'm now being told I can't replace the broken dishwasher or fix the leaking bathroom as any workmen will be met with abuse?!
I live in London so if we were forced to sell and split the equity I wouldn't be able to get back on the property ladder here.
I need your help to make this happen for me. Im so scared. Will I lose the house? We're joint tenants with my deposit protected via a trust in deed (I'm sure that's not what it's called). I know the starting point is 50/50 but can he force me not buying the house (it will be over his dead body I'm told). I earn more than enough to make this happen - he doesn't.
I'm shaking as I'm writing this as I just want to stay in my home alone with my children. I know I need to speak to a good solicitor (where do I even start finding one).
After being here for so many years, reading your stories I think I've found my feet.