Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Divorce/separation

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

Husband wants to leave me, but I have 3 under 4!

1000 replies

Gnarly999 · 10/02/2025 14:33

This is my first post, but I’m exploding and don’t want to talk to my friends as it makes it all “too real”, so hoping I can talk on here..
I have a 6 month old, 2 and 4 year old, and really struggle to cope. My husband travels a lot for work which has been really difficult and our marriage has died. I’ve been resentful and probably not very nice to him, but all I really wanted was for him to show me some love and affection and to put our family first, and be here more. I was lonely and struggling and needed him.
After a few months of arguing he says he wants to leave me!! I’m devastated on every level. He says he loves me like a sister but not a wife, doesn’t fancy me (I’m still fairly attractive I think). Says he can’t live like this and needs to focus on his work (we easily have enough money anyway). He’s also bringing up arguments from 15 years ago and replaying every negative thing that’s happened between us!
I’ve begged him to stay and to try and at least to wait until the kids are a bit older. I actually don’t know how I’d cope. I’m a SAHM, and feel completely hopeless.
what should I do? Fight for him to stay and to make it work? Or get some self respect and tell him to leave?
I just don’t think I’d ever get over this, and my heart feels broken for the children too. I can’t stop crying. Help!!

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 10/02/2025 18:16

coxesorangepippin · 10/02/2025 18:08

So if you split how will he cope with having the kids 50% of the time?? He won't be working away then, will he?

These men

Except in the real world this isn’t what will happen. Like many other men he will see his kids the odd time here and there, probably never overnight, he’ll absolutely still be working away and living carefree if that’s what he wants. No court can force him to have those kids even 1% of the time if he doesn’t want to- that’s the reality.

It’s not helpful to fill OP’s head with this notion that he will be absolutely be pulling his weight with the kids and “oh how stupid he’ll feel when he is in sole charge” because the reality is if he never wants those kids overnight a day in his life going forward he won’t have to and can’t be forced to. It’s shit, but it’s the way the system is set up.

BitOutOfPractice · 10/02/2025 18:20

He doesn’t sound like a “good guy” to me op. Why are you defending him?

Optimist2020 · 10/02/2025 18:21

DeepRoseFish · 10/02/2025 15:21

She’s got 3 kids under 4 years old!!! Work is the last thing she needs to be thinking about right now. I'm sure she’s already working her ass off.

Divorce him asap while you are still a stay at home mum with a young baby OP and you’ll get a bigger financial settlement. You won’t be expected to work just yet.

Oh and what a complete and utter bastard he is!!!! I’m so sorry OP. Unfortunately there are lots of feckless men like this out there.

@DeepRoseFish if her DH stops paying money into their joint account, how will the OP feed herself ? As far as we are aware , she doesn’t have any money of her own which makes her very vulnerable .

FiveWhatByFiveWhat · 10/02/2025 18:26

Mrsttcno1 · 10/02/2025 18:16

Except in the real world this isn’t what will happen. Like many other men he will see his kids the odd time here and there, probably never overnight, he’ll absolutely still be working away and living carefree if that’s what he wants. No court can force him to have those kids even 1% of the time if he doesn’t want to- that’s the reality.

It’s not helpful to fill OP’s head with this notion that he will be absolutely be pulling his weight with the kids and “oh how stupid he’ll feel when he is in sole charge” because the reality is if he never wants those kids overnight a day in his life going forward he won’t have to and can’t be forced to. It’s shit, but it’s the way the system is set up.

I agree it's very unlikely he'll step up and have them regularly. But if the op presents him with these kinds of questions it will at least force him to think more about it and show him she won't just let him waltz off into the sunset with no explanation.

@Gnarly999 if he won't take joint custody of the kids then you make damned sure he understands his Financial Obligations towards his children. Do not let him off that hook.

AcrossthePond55 · 10/02/2025 18:29

@Gnarly999

Please don't make excuses for him. Please don't think up reasons why he's doing what he's doing. All that's important is that he is ending your marriage and you need to get your ducks in a row (see my earlier post). Trying to figure the 'whys' is simply your mind's way of trying to delay the inevitable.

Same for OW, stop trying to think of reasons why it's not possible. It doesn't matter if it's possible or not. It's really not 'relevant' to your position right now. And that is to protect yourself and your children, financially. That needs to be your one and only priority.

Anudawan · 10/02/2025 18:29

LeavingBigLaw · 10/02/2025 17:40

This! OMFG

And again almost hammers home the point of other woman…

TizerorFizz · 10/02/2025 18:31

Anyone saying 50/50 is deluded. Never going to happen. Make sure you get money for dc needs. I would want to know what he feels about dc. He’s not a natural dad. I’m surprised you went for a third. What a shame for dc.

Unreal94 · 10/02/2025 18:33

Been here done it alone it does get easier I had a 3 month old a one year old and a 6&7 year old I worked universal credit will help with childcare best thing that could have happened to me also you will get child maintenance, contact me if you need advice you level up and tell the man goodbye don’t ever let a man tell you twice he doesn’t want you , you can do this level up and make that man regret his choices for the rest of his life and never look back , I started my own business and had a major glow up as I wasn’t taking care of another grown ass boy ❤️ self love is key it hurts but it does get better please hang in there x

BustyLaRoux · 10/02/2025 18:33

Oh OP, he sounds pretty grim. I have no issue with people wanking. But looking at models in bed while you’re there feeding the baby next to him. Then scuttling off for a shufty IN THE KITCHEN?! Good lord. Paying for Only Fans accounts (multiple!)….. I’m sorry but none of that is very respectful. And I am a liberal person when it comes to such matters. But that would give me the ick big time. Like others have said it sounds very much like the script for him seeing another woman. Or at least wanting to. It’s not for me to say leave him, or fight for him. That’s up to you. But I do think you deserve better than what he is currently giving you. Basically openly disrespecting you, possibly having an affair or wanting to, being snappy, threatening to abandon you, saying he doesn’t fancy you….. massive tosser (pardon the pun!) really. I’d be tempted to turn the tables and say he needs to leave!

Shinyandnew1 · 10/02/2025 18:33

I would pay for a session with a divorce solicitor to find out the best course of action. Some posters have said you shouldn't work because you'll get a better financial settlement-is that actually true?! I would be planning a return to work, personally, although appreciate it's not going to be easy.

I'm presuming you will have to sell the house you live in and find somewhere else to live. Would universal credits pay for all bills? If you have equity in the house, would that affect what benefits you get?

babyproblems · 10/02/2025 18:39

I think with three kids under 4, all marriages would have died. That’s an insane amount of work and I am not at all shocked you are not getting on when you are both stretched v v v thin. If he wants to leave what can you do -
firstly decide what you want. If you would like to try and make it work, you could suggest counselling and find ways to improve everyone’s quality of life - nanny, childcare, au pair - whatever it takes. See what he says. You need to find out what his perspective is on why he wants to leave and then see what solutions can be found together.
best of luck xxxx

SenoraB · 10/02/2025 18:41

First of all I am so sorry this is happening to you, take it from a much older woman you will get through this. Please don’t beg him to stay if he does there is a high probability he will weaponise it and use it as a threat to keep you in line. You are exhausted and emotional but now is the time to get tough, listen to the wise voices on here call a solicitor, dig into the finances, information is power he may say he will look after you financially but you need everything tied up legally, Lastly call on the support of friends and family believe me it will make a difference, even hearing yourself saying it out loud to one person will help you understand how unfair he is being.

hideawayforever · 10/02/2025 18:44

wrongthinker · 10/02/2025 15:15

Sorry, OP, it's likely there will be another woman on the scene. Men rarely leave without having someone else lined up.

Get yourself a good lawyer. And tell him it's 50/50 custody. He's free to leave you, but he's not free to leave his children.

I totally agree. also get on benefits calculator Entitled To? and see what you would get.
At least you will get time to yourself while he has the kids 50%
Take back the control and take a copy of any bank account statements, pension details. then
go and see a solicitor while you've still got access to money and see what you would be likely to get. you may be able to stay in the house til the youngest child is 18? but a solicitor would tell you all this.
How dare he do this to you when you've got your hands full with three little ones. He knows he's got power over you as you have no job and 3 babies.
Tell him to go. take back control, it will make you feel so much better.

Shadesofscarlett · 10/02/2025 18:47

what part of his behaviour makes you want to keep him? Paying for women online and wanking in the kitchen. I would show him the door for that. There will be an OW too on top I wager.

Btw don't beg, don't do the pick me dance.

oakleaffy · 10/02/2025 18:50

Mrsttcno1 · 10/02/2025 18:16

Except in the real world this isn’t what will happen. Like many other men he will see his kids the odd time here and there, probably never overnight, he’ll absolutely still be working away and living carefree if that’s what he wants. No court can force him to have those kids even 1% of the time if he doesn’t want to- that’s the reality.

It’s not helpful to fill OP’s head with this notion that he will be absolutely be pulling his weight with the kids and “oh how stupid he’ll feel when he is in sole charge” because the reality is if he never wants those kids overnight a day in his life going forward he won’t have to and can’t be forced to. It’s shit, but it’s the way the system is set up.

THIS ☝️
I asked my solicitor about making my ex husband see his son more {only 4 yrs old when husband left for OW}

The solicitor, a family lawyer , said ''No Court will force a man to take a child, unless the father is willing, it's not in the child's best interests.

So if a man wants to carry on working {the excuse my husband used to never see son apart from the odd half day} he can.. a man looking after three under 5's is unlikely to happen, especially not if he's in the early stages of dating a new woman.

monsterfish · 10/02/2025 18:50

OP, appreciate you are between a rock and a hard place right now and it is tough. BUT you seem to be letting your husband off the hook as a father (& husband). when you wrote I have a 6 month old, 2 and 4 year old, those three children belong to both of you and it sounds like you husband has checked out of been a father as well as a husband (hence his Only Fans habit).

Take a step back and think really hard what you want from him and what has to change to make things better for all of you.

CherryPopShowerGel · 10/02/2025 18:51

If he is masturbating a lot, unfortunately that doesn't mean there isn't another woman. Quite the contrary. You'd think if he was just so stressed with three small kids, work, and a failing marriage, that his drive would be dimmed. But it's pretty common if someone starts a new exciting affair that they will find their drive increase a lot, and end up acting on it a lot. Doesn't mean he isn't meeting another woman, or doing phone stuff, or whatever.

Regardless, as others have said, if one person says a relationship is over then it's over. He's done, and been pretty clear he feels for you more as family than a romantic partner. It happens to people, especially with such overloaded plates like three tiny kids with a very short gap between them.

I would tell him you're disappointed but understand and respect his decision, so let's sort out practicalities. Obv you'll need a few months to job hunt and find something, and for you both to think about housing. And to figure out custody, and a 50/50 split. Just crack on. Pining after him won't make him want you more, sounds like it's done as far as he's concerned. I would be grateful you have your beautiful children (it's much easier splitting with young kids imo than splitting without any kids and worrying you've missed your chance to have them! You have them for life, and if you want to date again it won't be with the pressure of tryna find a potential father for kids, if that makes sense).

Not to suggest games, but doing a 180 and becoming very nonchalant about it all and acting unbothered and a bit disappointed and like you'll be perfectly great without him is pretty much the only way that he might decide to change his mind... begging and desperation is offputting to people. If he wants you back you can decide how you feel at that time, but for now? Be a strong, confident, woman and mother. You don't need him.

oakleaffy · 10/02/2025 18:54

TizerorFizz · 10/02/2025 18:31

Anyone saying 50/50 is deluded. Never going to happen. Make sure you get money for dc needs. I would want to know what he feels about dc. He’s not a natural dad. I’m surprised you went for a third. What a shame for dc.

I'm surprised they went for a second with a hopeless 'father' like this.

He's going to be one of those absent fathers. Tons of them about.

The good men who do 50/50 are very rare in reality.

spicemaiden · 10/02/2025 18:56

Ok, DH....and then whip out the various configurations for 50/50 shared care.

PorridgeEater · 10/02/2025 18:57

If you easily have enough money it does at least help with some of the practical problems. You should be able to stay in the house with the children - maybe get a nanny to help? He could still see the children but you don't need him.

Mrsttcno1 · 10/02/2025 18:59

spicemaiden · 10/02/2025 18:56

Ok, DH....and then whip out the various configurations for 50/50 shared care.

And when he laughs in her face because he, like everyone, knows there’s not a single thing OP or any court, solicitor or judge can do to make him have those kids even 1 day a year if he doesn’t want to?

Again, I get it, but it’s not real life. The ONLY thing OP can count on and force from him is child maintenance, he doesn’t have to ever have those kids if he doesn’t want to.

oakleaffy · 10/02/2025 19:00

JimHalpertsWife · 10/02/2025 17:39

In the kitchen?! What if the kids walked in? That's fucking vile

He really does sound disgusting.

Kitchen of all places...and I bet he didn't wash his hands after and then made something to eat for himself.

Like others, I have no trouble with people having a DIY, but in private, away from where one can be walked in on by child/ren or family members.

2025willbemytime · 10/02/2025 19:01

TizerorFizz · 10/02/2025 18:31

Anyone saying 50/50 is deluded. Never going to happen. Make sure you get money for dc needs. I would want to know what he feels about dc. He’s not a natural dad. I’m surprised you went for a third. What a shame for dc.

Don't be that person who kicks another when they are down.

Uol2022 · 10/02/2025 19:02

Optimist2020 · 10/02/2025 18:21

@DeepRoseFish if her DH stops paying money into their joint account, how will the OP feed herself ? As far as we are aware , she doesn’t have any money of her own which makes her very vulnerable .

This is a good point. Take 50% of the cash from the joint accounts into an account in your sole name. The real financial settlement will be much more complicated, taking pensions and assets into account, but you can make sure you have access to some money in the mean time in case he decides to change where his salary is paid. (Not legal advice, maybe check with a lawyer that it’s okay to do this but I think should be justified. It’s your money as much as his, since you are married).

TizerorFizz · 10/02/2025 19:02

Why the obsession with 50/50? A man working long hours who never was interested in coming home won’t start now. He wants out not more time with dc.

@oakleaffy I was trying to be polite but the thought about more than 1 crossed my mind too. It made me wonder if 2 or 3 was discussed. However if there’s enough money that’s better than many women in this position .

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.