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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

My husband wants to divorce me because I need to move with the children

149 replies

Bedofnettles · 18/12/2024 10:41

I'd like everyone's honest opinion on my situation at the moment. I am a revert. I have been married for 4 years now. I have two children, my eldest is 4 with autism and my youngest is 2. We have been staying at my in-laws house for 4 years as well. We have been having no luck finding a home here with our local council so it has put a massive strain on our marriage. Long story short living with his inlaws has not been easy whatsoever in regards to privacy and his mother not being the kindest at times. My husbands mother can sometimes be overbearing and controlling especially when it comes to what I do with my children then from that how I wash my own clothes, to what I can and cannot wear and even gets involved in our arguments… but I have been patient hoping we would find a home soon. my husband will always defend her even when she is wrong. I pay for everything me and my children need while my husband pays his mother’s rent instead of finding us a home. He’s an estate agent and has earned up to £45,000 this year.

However he kept his earnings a secret from me knowing he could have rented us a home this whole time….instead he insisted we wait on the council list as he ‘can’t afford to rent a home’ .There's even been times when I haven't had enough to do a food shop for my children...when I ask my husband to provide this he will turn round and ask me to pay the money back after he has 'lent it to me'. He lends his friends and family money with the highest amount coming to £2000 and doesn’t pester them for any of it back, but instead will hound me to pay back £100 for his children to eat throughout the weeks.

I’ve had enough of waiting for a home so I have decided to move back near my family which live an hour and a half away where I know I will be housed. He has told me if I do so he will divorce me and end up hating me. We have been staying in the same room for four years now, whilst sharing the same bed together with my two young children. I cannot continue to live like this…it will take a long while for us to find a home here, and the fact that he could have done something about our situation a long time ago really makes me angry. I hate the fact that I have to live in a bedroom with our children. He seems to think it’s okay to wait another year or so to be housed even it means our autistic child won’t get the support he needs in this city.

I have also found out my eldest child with autism will have no chance of receiving an ECHP and 1:1 here in the city we are living in, we have better chances moving back near my family as the school are much better there and I can finally give my children a home and their own room. I want my children to have the opportunities they deserve.

on top of all this my son is in and out of hospital and having antibiotics for his respiratory issues as he’s struggling to breath. I believe this is due to the mould in our bedroom…if all these factors combined isn’t enough reason for us to find a new home then I don’t know what is!

My husband is refusing to move with us as his business is in this city and will not listen to reason. He told me if I move with our children I am ‘taking them away’ from him. He refuses to commute as it wastes his time. He thinks I am wrong for this, and that staying in his mother’s house is the only solution.

My mental health has deteriorated, I have no privacy as a woman living with not only his mother but that also includes his two brothers. I’m worried about my children…. I am always walking in egg shells living here and I’ve had enough. What do I do?

OP posts:
MrsSlocombesCat · 18/12/2024 12:42

ThankGodForDancingFruit · 18/12/2024 12:31

OP, you have made the right decision. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness as a bare minimum! And you are a brilliant Mum for recognising your children also deserve better.

But I am really concerned for you and your children’s safety and wellbeing. A lot can change between now and Saturday, and your husband - perpetrator of abuse - may detect changes in your behaviour and become increasingly aggressive.

The police and local domestic abuse service can help you leave, don’t worry about money. If you need a plan, take your child to hospital (take the other with you, do not leave with family) citing breathing concerns and disclose the abuse to staff. Many hospitals now have a domestic violence advisor in house, or at the very least, strong links to them.

Don’t wait! You can be free today x

I agree with this. Take your poorly child to A& E and then tell them you can't go home because your husband is DA. There will be someone to help you.

Swissrollover · 18/12/2024 12:47

ThankGodForDancingFruit · 18/12/2024 12:31

OP, you have made the right decision. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness as a bare minimum! And you are a brilliant Mum for recognising your children also deserve better.

But I am really concerned for you and your children’s safety and wellbeing. A lot can change between now and Saturday, and your husband - perpetrator of abuse - may detect changes in your behaviour and become increasingly aggressive.

The police and local domestic abuse service can help you leave, don’t worry about money. If you need a plan, take your child to hospital (take the other with you, do not leave with family) citing breathing concerns and disclose the abuse to staff. Many hospitals now have a domestic violence advisor in house, or at the very least, strong links to them.

Don’t wait! You can be free today x

Another one agreeing with this. You can probably get away with taking a bag or two with you as the child is "being admitted" and you'll be staying on the ward with the other child too.

I hope your family can get to you today. Stay strong, you've got this!

Alifemadelessordinary · 18/12/2024 12:48

JFDIYOLO · 18/12/2024 11:34

Does he know you're going and taking them? Be very careful. He's already threatened you and with three men living in that house as well as his mother it could be a dangerous moment. Can anyone else come and help?

This! Please, please be careful OP.
Honour killings have been committed for much less.

Saschka · 18/12/2024 12:54

Therealmetherealme · 18/12/2024 11:14

I don't know how council houses work, but are you sure you're on the 'list'? Have you checked?

Are you eligible as a couple living with relatives, in that combined income.

Round here, they would be incredibly low down the list - so low that they might as well not be on it.

TunipTheVegimal24 · 18/12/2024 12:55

Bedofnettles · 18/12/2024 11:19

I had no choice but to claim as if I didn’t I would not be able to support myself or my children. Despite him working and making £45,000 this year….he doesn’t help with anything unless I have to beg for it and pay it back to him. That’s another thing that has really been bothering me so when I leave him on Saturday I’m finally be free of that burden so I can focus on raising my children right

So gross that he makes you beg for money for his children 🤢 Divorce him and make sure he pays child maintenance. What a creepy dude.

Sunshineandoranges · 18/12/2024 12:57

What a horrible husband and mil.Your life will be so much happier in 2025. Come back and tell us how the move went.

CautiousLurker01 · 18/12/2024 13:16

Bedofnettles · 18/12/2024 12:00

Yes I am a British citizen. I was born in Bedfordshire. I have never had a passport my whole entire life. My children do not currently have passports yet. And I think he would be a British citizen? He came to the country when he was three so not sure how it works x

Ok, so likely he is British too, which lowers the risk that he might ever take them overseas (unless he has dual nationality and still has family in India?).

However, I would definitely apply for their passports, as it means he can’t make a separate application and would not be able to travel with them without your knowledge or permission. It may be over cautiousness, but better safe than sorry.

tolerable · 18/12/2024 13:23

I think it is essential you contact womans aid, particularly in your new area. They will definately support you in ensuring you and kids are protected.Beyond that they are experienced in all the advisory needs,can really help access needs the kids have. Do you absolutely need a case? I think it be a good idea if you can avoid "alarm bells" and potential confrontation.Look like your off to shops or similar-again ask womans aid. They advise and if necessary can help get you and kids some clothes.

Tbry24 · 18/12/2024 13:29

Contact women’s aid abd if need be the police can be there as you leave so you can gather your things. Leave today this is not a relationship it is abuse.

just pack clothes and medication for yourself and your children, a couple of their favourite toys and bank cards, passports, birth certificates.

you will need nothing else just get out of there. Enjoy your new life with your DC and never speak to this ‘man’ again.

you can be this brave as your children need you so you do it for them.

My story is that i had a baby as a teen and after a few horrific years I had to flee to make sure I didn’t end up dead. It was that bad and I was that terrified but I did it for my child. That was over 20 years ago now, I instantly felt a thousand times better and my child and I had a lovely rest of childhood just the two of us. I had to go through a dreadful court thing whereby I legally became the only parent to my child, that won’t happen to you I was in a bizarre situation, and then we moved to a different part of the country for a new life where we would be left alone.

You can do this, never look back and never ever ever speak to him or be in a room with just him again xxx

Tbry24 · 18/12/2024 13:33

Bedofnettles · 18/12/2024 11:56

My mother is supposed to meet me on Saturday morning at the train station to help me bring my luggage and help with the boys. My eldest with autism can be quite dangerous if someone isn’t there to hold his hand and guide him. I’m more worried when his mother sees me with my suitcases and starts to question me and get involved…..i doubt it’s going to be a stress free encounter

Leave today no cases, just put basic clothes in carrier bags like a doctors appointment park outing etc and Id in your purse. Take a buggy if you have one . so no one knows at all that you are leaving. You need to be careful.

avaplane · 18/12/2024 14:03

Hey OP,

as a bengali i will say leave, run as fast as you can and don't look back!!

Not all bengali families are like this and this is not normal. I lived with my MIL and she was lovely. They're not treating you right and it's not okay. You and your children deserve better.

He also knows it's his job to provide for you and your children, he's failing to do that. Just based on that, I would leave him. If he's not putting the children first I don't want to be with that kind of person.

I hope you manage to leave and thrive in your new home. Keeping you in my prayers x

avaplane · 18/12/2024 14:06

Also OP, i'm based in london so if you're nearby and would like any help please let me know and i'll help in any way i can xx (I name changed in case i outed myself)

cheezncrackers · 18/12/2024 14:10

He'll divorce you? That is what I would call a good result! Go for it.

Nothatgingerpirate · 18/12/2024 14:11

Leave this absolute excuse of a "husband".
🤢

SwordToFlamethrower · 18/12/2024 14:20

Bloody hell, do you really need me to say this?

Go! Run as fast as you can. You're living with an abuser. You know this.

coolkatt · 18/12/2024 14:55

OP I'm so worried for u, I'm scared when they see u with luggage they will stop you or grab the kids. Please can I not leave the luggage? Take your ID and essential items only, meds, money, bank card etc, clothes u can wear some then run. Or an u leave when no one is home?? Does that ever happen?

Just to say I am soo excited for you too, your life and your kids is about to begin and I can only imagine the happiness you will feel soon, I know it will be hard too but you are doing the right thing don't ever ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Repeat this over.

But I'm so scared for Saturday. Will his mother get physical? With the brothers and husband be home? I'm sure they will try to stop you, I really feel u should just like say your going for walk, shops etc, and just go with the most basics. Please please let us all
Know what happens and you are safe x

recipientofraspberries · 18/12/2024 14:56

The mould is the fetid cherry on the rancid cake!

I'm so utterly elated to read that you are leaving.

However; do not underestimate the danger you are in. I'm sorry to put it so harshly but it is very, very easy to become used to ones' own normal situation, so even though you clearly know things are bad, you can lose sight of the full risks. Your life has been threatened by this man before, he has hit you, and in full view of his family (referring to your MIL walking in on you crying on the floor after being assaulted by him).

PLEASE get out of there as soon as you can. Can you get a family member to drive and collect you directly from the house, ASAP? I understand your child is poorly. This is currently, statistically, the highest danger point: the actual leaving of an abusive partner. It is critical that you don't become complacent.

I don't say this to be harsh or make you feel daunted. You are absolutely AMAZING to be doing this, and to have retained so much of yourself, your intellect, your bravery and your spirit after what sounds like years of abuse, walking on eggshells and having no privacy or real independence. We are all behind you!

Please consider having a police officer present when you do leave. And please consider leaving as soon as possible.

recipientofraspberries · 18/12/2024 14:59

coolkatt · 18/12/2024 14:55

OP I'm so worried for u, I'm scared when they see u with luggage they will stop you or grab the kids. Please can I not leave the luggage? Take your ID and essential items only, meds, money, bank card etc, clothes u can wear some then run. Or an u leave when no one is home?? Does that ever happen?

Just to say I am soo excited for you too, your life and your kids is about to begin and I can only imagine the happiness you will feel soon, I know it will be hard too but you are doing the right thing don't ever ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Repeat this over.

But I'm so scared for Saturday. Will his mother get physical? With the brothers and husband be home? I'm sure they will try to stop you, I really feel u should just like say your going for walk, shops etc, and just go with the most basics. Please please let us all
Know what happens and you are safe x

I second all of this.

OP, can you just get out of the house? Get a family member to pick you and the kids up?

Onlyvisiting · 18/12/2024 15:02

Lol, does he really think saying he will divorce you is a threat? He wont follow you? Fantastic!
He is a useless twat who is adding nothing good to your life and isn't supporting his own children. Don't wait for him to decide, leave him, divorce him and at least you will get CM eventually!
And imagine how nice it will be living in a home with just you and your children

mitogoshigg · 18/12/2024 15:04

This is abuse.

You need to approach your council for housing support and move out, you'll also need to return to work if you haven't already so you are not dependent on him

overthinkersanonnymus · 18/12/2024 15:09

Ewwww I'd leave him anyway. I wouldn't want to be with a man who feels like a debt Is owed to feed his own children.

4 years with the in-laws? And you've had another child in that time. Fuck that

DowntonCrabbie · 18/12/2024 15:26

cheezncrackers · 18/12/2024 14:10

He'll divorce you? That is what I would call a good result! Go for it.

They're not actually married anyway, just nikkah.

AcrossthePond55 · 18/12/2024 15:32

@Bedofnettles

Think seriously, is there anything that is so important that you must pack suitcases to take with you given that you are going to your parent's home? Many women walk out with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs.

If possible I think you'd be better off to just grab documents, medications, and whatever can't be replaced and walk out now and either into the nearest police station and ask for help or get a room at a cheap hotel for tonight and have Mum (or someone else) meet you tomorrow for the journey home.

If you can't do that, then on Saturday could you, instead of suitcases, put everything in a bin bag or large carrier bag and tell your MiL that you and the children are 'getting some air whilst dropping some donations off at the charity shops'? Hopefully that will allay her suspicions.

Whenever you go, please remember to turn off any location services on your phone and other devices. If possible, power them down for the journey. And change any passwords to bank accounts and other important websites. If you can't change passwords, get enough cash to cover expenses near your home then use cash for any expenses on your way to your parent's. Bank/ATM cards leave an 'online trail' for him to follow. I realize he may easily figure you've gone 'home' but why make it easier for him.

Mirabai · 18/12/2024 15:37

Don’t do anything without taking to WA first. Is there any possibility you can leave with your kids when he’s out at work? I would suggest you do not tell him ahead of time you are leaving. And that you get family members to help you pack up your stuff and leave. As posters have suggested, a police officer can be asked to be present to “prevent a breach of the peace” if you think things will get confrontational.

QuickDenimDeer · 18/12/2024 15:43

Oh it sounds like you’re trapped in a horrible situation OP. I’m afraid you married the wrong man, who will always love his mother more than you and his own children. Can you go down the refuge route? It’s bordering on financial abuse. 45K and none of it goes towards his own nuclear family? Appalling behaviour. Of course the children deserve their own space and away from the chaos.

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