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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.

Separation/divorce

16 replies

FloralQ · 24/06/2025 10:42

Hi
I am new to mumsnet but I am looking for advice and if anybody has been through similar

I was with my husband 17 years married for 6 years my eldest son was 4 when we met his biological dad fell off the face of the earth didn’t bother with him so my husband took him in as his own we also have a 13 year old son together
my husband left me 4 months ago told me he doesn’t love me anymore and something was missing but also said I cared to much I had a heart of gold but I can’t make him happy after 2 week I received a message he wants a divorce.
he had his 1st mediation session, I agreed to the mediation session but I did explain to him everything was to soon I was dealing with the separation, but again I agreed to go.
before my session my husband has came into the family home me and my son are living he owns my name is not on the mortgage
he has taken things out of the house like coffee machine, water filter jet washer I confronted him and he said am lucky he’s not took the mattress I am sleeping on.
he cancelled all the bills and changed them into my name (he’s earns £4,000pm my earning £1,400pm) he hasn’t paid anything for my son I have made a claim to cm which he hasn’t paid anything to pay in July
I can’t afford to pay the bills my car shopping and upkeep of my child school, clothing etc as my wages don’t cover it all hence why I have claimed cm
he is not happy about this he lives with his mum rent free no car as he uses a work van which is paid for,
he called me told me if I go for his pension in mediation he will sell the car on me ( car is in his name I make the payments to him every month) he’s told me he’s selling the house,
I have registered for Intrest on the land registry but that does not go on until September.
i went to my mediation appointment mediator has issued me a letter to court as she does not think mediation is suitable.
throughout our marriage there was certain things my husband used to do that would upset me I did have a good job which was bringing in more money he told me I was working to much and it was stopping him from working weekends or overtime so I changed my job I wasn’t really happy there anyway
I got a job in a school which worked around my son which was great he then told me I wasn’t earning enough.
although he says I wasn’t earning enough I paid the car payments shopping bills my husband won’t eat processed food and meat had to be bought from the butches this was costing £600 p/m I would also pay school dinner and bus fares aswell as school trips for my son.
my husband paid the mortgage and the house bills I would barely have money left each month as I have such a big family and have to pay birthdays/Christmas presents any outing we went on he would ask me to pay half or if I come up with the idea I would have to pay.
he would be left with alot of money left each month he would book marathons away staying the weekend holidays for himself new clothes etc u would be left with nothing.
he wouldn’t communicate with me when he was going away everything was very last minute and when I confronted him about it he would tell me am controlling or overreacting. He would often like and when caught out he would tell me he couldn’t tell me because he’s on egg shells because he can’t move bearing in mind he’s working late near every night away most weekends.
honestly I didn’t understand it I felt like I cared for him a lot put him and the kids first all the time had his tea ready checking in on him supporting him with his marathons and neglecting my own needs to ensure he was happy alls I wanted was communication and respect. I did not feel like a priority and I didn’t realise until I am 4 months into the seperation
ita turned nasty my husband is telling my 13 year old son that I told the mediator it was domestic violence which I have not. I was asked questions about the communication between us and I told her what has been happening. She made that decision I told her I wanted to continue with the mediation I don’t know exactly why she chose not to go ahead all she said was that it was not suitable.
my husband was supposed to pick my son up from school as I had my mediation appointment he cancelled 2 days before because he had booked a last minute trip to Benidorm when he returned on the day of our sons football presentation which he attended laughing and joking with the other kids dads and saying quite loudly he woke up with a woman in his bed. I am extremely upset and my emotions are at a high I feel like he’s really trying to hurt me telling others am controlling and a crank.
my husband has always had a short fuse with and without drink he went to counselling for anger management as I had enough which he agreed to change. He has told me am trying to change him and he’s a shell of himself.
some get me wrong when my husband did go out I would be completely
on edge as I wasn’t sure what I was getting when he would come through the door he would be a mess verbally abusive and often urinate wherever he stood. I would be left to clean up the mess or be woken by him then I would shadow him for most of the night trying to guide him to the toilet or often he would try and go out and wonder in the streets.
Sorry for the detail but am so confused I have family and friends that know are relationship and have been telling me for years he is selfish and he’s mistreated me.
i can’t afford solicitor fees and I feel if we don’t get a divorce he’s just going to continue letting himself in the house send me messages with threats about the car and the house. I have been signed off from work at the moment as am not coping with it all at the minute. I have also been referred to counselling too.
any advice would be helpful
thanks

OP posts:
TucanPlay · 24/06/2025 11:04

What you described is abusive behaviour, and he is using controlling tactics in mediation which is why the mediator has said mediation isn't suitable, quite rightly. This is their decision, based on his behaviour, not down to you at all!
He should not be discussing you or mediation with your son.
You may be able to get legal aid for help with solicitors fees and you are definitely going to need support to navigate this separation and recover from what he has put you through. Is the counselling you have been referred for with someone who understands controlling behaviour? I hope so. I think you need to contact women's aid and your local domestic abuse service and look into Freedom Programme.
Have as little contact as you can with him, be polite and factual, don't give him any information or agree anything to do with finances. ( look up Grey Rock method) It can wait until you have a solicitor, he can't sell the house without your permission and you can politely tell any estate agents to go away.
Be very kind to yourself, he sounds horrible and you didn't/ don't deserve any of this.

FloralQ · 24/06/2025 15:50

Thank you this really upsets me
i loved him whole heartedly, my family tell me he’s took advantage of my kindness, but i do sit and think am I overreacting was that controlling I’ve been so in my own head.
i have told my son if his dad speaks about me he’s to tell him he doesn’t feel comfortable and he does not want to talk about it.

I have never spoke up or been to see anyone about anything apparently you need evidence police, doctor etc for legal aid. I have an appointment with cab tomorrow I will mention to them thank you.

i am unsure my doctor made the referral
for the counsellor

thank you I will look into it, I appreciate your reply and help,

I am really trying at the minute, I will do for my boys and am trying to pull myself together for them. Thanks again

OP posts:
TucanPlay · 25/06/2025 08:01

I hope the CAB can help, the main thing is that whoever supports you must understand controlling and abusive behaviour, if they don't move on!
You will need a letter for legal aid, and domestic abuse charities can help with this.
Maybe move this to relationships as you will get more advice there and experiences of women who have been through similar which will help you feel less alone, sadly his behaviour is not unusual, and your feeling of being confused and upset are completely normal. Take care

Whyherewego · 25/06/2025 08:04

See if you can find a solicitor who will take their fees from your settlement or put the fees on a credit card. I really recommend you get some professional support OP given his behaviour
But please know that you are entitled to a share of the assets and the assets include house, car and pension.

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 25/06/2025 08:17

Hi OP sorry you're going through this. Its so tough.

You need to if you can remove emotion from the financial settlement and think practically.

Did he ever formally adopt your son that isnt his? If not he isn't legally required to pay maintenance for him.

It was your house before marriage but after marriage it's joint property. What amount of equity do you have in it?
Are there any other savings or investments?

Can you afford the mortgage alone?

His behaviour is appalling i think court is for the best. You don't need a lawyer to issue divorce and start the financial disclosure stage.

millymollymoomoo · 25/06/2025 08:18

Apply for interim maintenance/ancillary relief to ensure the bills can be paid while divorcing and sorting long term

Holdonforsummer · 25/06/2025 08:19

I’m really sad reading this - it is abuse, maybe not violence but it is coercive control, financial abuse, sometimes verbal abuse and bullying. This is NOT the normal behaviour of someone acting respectfully in a marriage and I think it may take some time for you to unpick this and really understand what you have been putting up with. I would recommend ringing Women’s Aid or seeing if there is an IDVA service in your area. These are independent domestic violence advocates and they can advise you ok your rights and practical ways to escape this situation. Also Citizen’s Advice. Unfortunately it sounds like he has been sneaky by setting up the mortgage in his name so you need a good lawyer to fight for what is yours including some of his pension and child maintenance. Keep a diary of everything he says and does. Screenshot any text messages. And if the behaviour escalated, contact the NCDV and try to get a non-molestation order. Finally, see if you are entitled to benefits now he has left. Good luck and stay strong.

GoldDuster · 25/06/2025 08:44

Speak to Womens' Aid, and CAB to see if you can get some advice from them. He sounds like a piece of work, I'm sorry you've had to deal with him all these years, and he's probably not going to be any easier to get divorced from than he was to live with.

Don't agree to anything unless you've sense checked it legally first, he is a manipulative controlling bully, and he is not your friend. You are married and entitled to what you're entitled to in the settlement, he doesn't get to threaten you to stay away from his pension.

Keep a record of all threats via text or email, and don't be afraid to involve the police if you feel in danger. Keep going, you'll get there, it's shitty now but it will be behind you soon and you'll have peace.

FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:18

Morning
thank you, CAB have put me intouch with women’s aid, I really appreciate your help thank you so much.

OP posts:
FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:25

Morning
I have called a few solicitors I have had 1 hour free I didn’t discuss anything I have mentioned here to them seems to be very few that take out of settlement I have been given Liverpool law society number as they maybe able to help thank you. They have told me I am entitled to it. But he’s making me feel like am greedy and reminds me I done nothing to contribute to his pension he’s furious over. This is something I wouldn’t have considered or done but I just want to be free from it all and know me and my kids have stability and will be ok.

OP posts:
FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:35

morning

no he didn’t adopt him my eldest is now 20
we have a 13yr old son together which I’ve claimed maintenance for.
the house was bought for £125,000 worth 2k he still has £70,000 mortgage left on it

i haven't got any savings or investments am unsure whether he has are bank accounts was separate
if he bought anything for the house like hoover bed etc I would pay him back monthly fit it so everything is in his name. I have bank receipts referencing what the payment were for. But I don’t think that matters as I believe all is split.

unfortunately no I can’t afford the mortgage alone, I have a review meeting with work next week to discuss a fazed return which will reduce my salary.
Thank you for your help

OP posts:
FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:36

millymollymoomoo · 25/06/2025 08:18

Apply for interim maintenance/ancillary relief to ensure the bills can be paid while divorcing and sorting long term

I haven’t been told I can do this
i I will look into it thank you

OP posts:
FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:46

Holdonforsummer · 25/06/2025 08:19

I’m really sad reading this - it is abuse, maybe not violence but it is coercive control, financial abuse, sometimes verbal abuse and bullying. This is NOT the normal behaviour of someone acting respectfully in a marriage and I think it may take some time for you to unpick this and really understand what you have been putting up with. I would recommend ringing Women’s Aid or seeing if there is an IDVA service in your area. These are independent domestic violence advocates and they can advise you ok your rights and practical ways to escape this situation. Also Citizen’s Advice. Unfortunately it sounds like he has been sneaky by setting up the mortgage in his name so you need a good lawyer to fight for what is yours including some of his pension and child maintenance. Keep a diary of everything he says and does. Screenshot any text messages. And if the behaviour escalated, contact the NCDV and try to get a non-molestation order. Finally, see if you are entitled to benefits now he has left. Good luck and stay strong.

Am so worried the idea and thought of abuse makes me feel physically sick am worried am dragging my kids through this and for some reason I feel guilty guilty because it there dad guilt because I loved him and I’ve allowed it.
am a mess.
am trying to be strong and listen and follow advice. He knows I just haven’t got it in me or would want to drag the kids through this maybe that’s why he’s been treating me the way he has.
Cuba have put me intouch with women’s aid this morning,
i haven’t a diary as he keeps letting my son down as he’s busy with work or going away to do marathons or holidays etc but I will keep a record of conversations to.
so I am entitled to child element of uc which helps a little
thank you so much

OP posts:
Mooselooseinmyhoose · 25/06/2025 09:46

FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:35

morning

no he didn’t adopt him my eldest is now 20
we have a 13yr old son together which I’ve claimed maintenance for.
the house was bought for £125,000 worth 2k he still has £70,000 mortgage left on it

i haven't got any savings or investments am unsure whether he has are bank accounts was separate
if he bought anything for the house like hoover bed etc I would pay him back monthly fit it so everything is in his name. I have bank receipts referencing what the payment were for. But I don’t think that matters as I believe all is split.

unfortunately no I can’t afford the mortgage alone, I have a review meeting with work next week to discuss a fazed return which will reduce my salary.
Thank you for your help

You're absolutely right it doesn't matter if it's in his name. Its marital property.

The starting point in law is a 50/50 split but there are reasons to deviate from that.

This means the minimum you are entitled to is half of the equity in the house, half of the value of property in the house (or half of the stuff) but pensions are very important if he's earned more he will likely have a higher cetv. Do you have a pension?

You can use his pension as a bargaining chip to get more equity value.

My best advice for abusive men is to play dumb. When he says you cant touch his pension say something breezy like oh I don't know how it all works I need to take advice and don't engage in it.

If you file for financial proceedings with a court the court will tell you what to do at each stage. Its so overwhelming right now I know but you can do it xx

FloralQ · 25/06/2025 09:50

GoldDuster · 25/06/2025 08:44

Speak to Womens' Aid, and CAB to see if you can get some advice from them. He sounds like a piece of work, I'm sorry you've had to deal with him all these years, and he's probably not going to be any easier to get divorced from than he was to live with.

Don't agree to anything unless you've sense checked it legally first, he is a manipulative controlling bully, and he is not your friend. You are married and entitled to what you're entitled to in the settlement, he doesn't get to threaten you to stay away from his pension.

Keep a record of all threats via text or email, and don't be afraid to involve the police if you feel in danger. Keep going, you'll get there, it's shitty now but it will be behind you soon and you'll have peace.

Thank you So much
its so
sad and upsetting
I will keep a record of conversations I appreciate your advice

OP posts:
FloralQ · 25/06/2025 10:09

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 25/06/2025 09:46

You're absolutely right it doesn't matter if it's in his name. Its marital property.

The starting point in law is a 50/50 split but there are reasons to deviate from that.

This means the minimum you are entitled to is half of the equity in the house, half of the value of property in the house (or half of the stuff) but pensions are very important if he's earned more he will likely have a higher cetv. Do you have a pension?

You can use his pension as a bargaining chip to get more equity value.

My best advice for abusive men is to play dumb. When he says you cant touch his pension say something breezy like oh I don't know how it all works I need to take advice and don't engage in it.

If you file for financial proceedings with a court the court will tell you what to do at each stage. Its so overwhelming right now I know but you can do it xx

He used to speak a lot about his pension to friends and family his pension is worth 1m my pension isn’t great
a conversation was had before we separated he said he is going to retire early and go travelling I said that will be nice we’re are we going he said I don’t know about you but you need to sort yourself a better job to get a better pension, he’s always been quite a selfish in that way and I’ve put up with it.
so I know the idea of going after his pension has really hit a nerve. I wouldn’t mind but I haven’t even said this to him. One conversation we had he told me I can have half of the house I replied I know what am entitled to. Thank you so much for your help. It’s hard when you say things out loud I didn’t agree with half the stuff he’s said and done and when you say it out loud and others agree it wasn’t right makes things more clear
xx

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