My husband told me a week ago he wanted to separate as he is unhappy in the marriage and was seeing someone else.
I knew things weren't great but did not expect things to end so suddenly nor cheating.
Despite a few conversations he said he will not be leaving the home, but will stay with friends when he can.
We have no children but do share a dog. The shock of this has ripped me apart but I'm keen to get my own space and not co inhabit with him. As its not a long term solution and is causing me more pain.
We jointly own a house, I could afford the mortgage on my own but not afford to buy him out. He could maybe buy me out, but his debt may hamper his borrowing.. So either way I expect the house will be sold at some point.
Despite cheating and suddenly ending the marriage he won't move out so if he won't go I will (even though he earns more).
We have a sizeable amount of joint debt. The majority in his name. What are my obligations regarding paying this? I want to be fair. However will have minimal income left as will be going from half a small mortgage to rent which is more than the whole mortgage. As the higher earner and staying in the house which is cheaper than rent is it reasonable to pay less than half of the debt, an amount proportionate to income?
Also how will this debt be seen when divorce proceedings start? I'm happy to pay my share, but hope as the lower earner it would be less than 50%.
I appreciate any input. This is so stressful and then to be so worried about money as well is awful.
Until I understand this I'm struggling to know how much I can spent of renting. Ideally I want a place with a garden so we can share the dog for now.