Moving out of the marital home

[WitchDancer]

I am in the very early stages of breaking up with my husband of 22 years, instigated by me because of death by 1000 cuts. We’ve got a lot to sort out, including the house and a business, plus two children aged 18 and 15, who both live at home.

He has suggested it’s a menopausal thing and has suggested I go into a rental property for 6 months to check and see if it is what I really want. This does really appeal to me.

My question is would this affect splitting assets later down the line, or anything else that would make things unfavourable to me?

Thank you in advance for any help and advice you can offer.

Before I reply about housing, the menopausal thing - feelings during any time of your life are valid. Just because they might be influenced by hormonal changes doesn't mean you don't get to make changes in your life and be happy. Please don't let him persuade you otherwise. I've had very similar but with mental health issues and it's incredibly disrespectful.

Anyway...

I could have written this myself last year! I was married for 19yrs, but we were together for 24. Kids also 15 and 18.

I knew I didn't want to stay and I did move out - it wasn't as amicable as yours sounds as I left without telling him due to his behaviour after previous discussions, but I went into an Airbnb for two months, and have now been renting a house for nearly six months. My 15yr old came with me, my 18yr old stayed with dad.

We jointly own the family home and were mortgage free so there is no impact on my share of the assets. I still have a key although I only call in to drop off the dog and collect odd bits when my husband isn't there.

Six months isn't long to set up a new life - especially if you are looking at an unfurnished property you need to buy for. My Airbnb was discounted for a long stay but worked out about £1400 a month compared to be £950 rental, but that was inclusive off all my bills and maintenance and obviously the whole place was furnished. We only left with our clothes. Setting up my new house (which I initially had on a six month contract) has cost me about £8000. It's fine as don't intend to go back home, but have a think about whether this is really temporary.

We're now starting on split of assets and my solicitor has advised there is no impact from me having moved out.

Thank you @trailblazer42that’s a massive help and certainly a lot of food for thought. I’d not even considered AirBnB!

It won’t impact your claim to share of overall assets

it can however impact any claim to remain in the fmh ( if you wanted to)

it can impact on sale /timelines if you move out as the remaining party has more control over the asset , can make viewings harder etc. should you get your that Stage and less impetus to change status quo

@millymollymoomoo thank you, that’s certainly something to consider