Husband wont sign petition / Living together / finances

[Sarah9988]

I told my husband i wanted a divorce over a year ago. I finally put in a petition which he wouldnt sign saying that he wanted to wait for a no fault divorce next year.

I cant wait until next year, its been too long and we are creating a horrible environment for our children.

I have re-written the petition so as to be more amicable and hes not going to sign that either. He is basically refusing to move out of the house and has clearly said he wants me out or the house sold. He doesnt have the means to move out and no money because he doesnt work. I am stuck living with him.

So I have two issues...

1. What now? If I continue he is going to make things very difficult. He's already trying to throw up everything, its almost threatening and Im feeling very anxious about it all, but thats all it is. My solicitor says that in our circumstances, there is no reason the court would expect me and to sell/buy out/move out. But I've not had very many discussions with her and I'm concerned its not firm advice. She's been very slow in her work. Hes dragging things so I could be in this position for a long time.

1. Our current financial situation is causing so many arguments at the moment. I work and dont see why he should have my wages. We get joint tax credits. He doesn't receive any other type of benefit (cant get job seekers) so my wages and tax credits are paying all the bills, the mortgage, for the children, both our debts (although he is also threatening to go bankrupt, again as a threat to me).

He does look after the children when I am at work, but when I am not he leaves everything to me. He thinks I should give him money for his phone, cigarettes, anything else as we get tax credits. I dont think i should because the tax credits dont even begin to cover his half of the bills. He says I am abusive in financial terms. Am I? He does get money from me - Ive just paid his phone for the last 3 months and he withdraws cash using my bank card, which he helps himself to. How should I be approaching this so as it is fair and legal? I tried giving him £50 a month, but it wasnt enough!

I dont know who to ask these questions, or about benefits or other things??

Thanks

@Viviennemary

Why should he move out when it's you who wants the divorce. Why don't you move out.

Exactly. Also he is a SAHP and they're just as much his kids as yours.

Is keeping the family together truly unsalvageable? Have you both gone for couples counselling?

I agree with the above that it's very unfair on the kids to have to leave their own home and have their whole lives uprooted just because you want to divorce and split up the family. Let them stay in their home with him instead of dragged away elsewhere when they're not at fault.