Inheritance and divorce

[BumsnetHQ]

Me and my husband have decided to break up, there's no definite on whether we're going to separate or go for the full divorce yet. I just can't have that conversation right now.

Financially I'm worried about what happens to a small inheritance (few thousand) I received during the marriage as it's my only savings. Can my husband take half of this? I used some of it to furnish our house a few years ago and I don't know if he can take half of the furniture too.
Any help is greatly appreciated

You need to consult a solicitor. It is possible that it will be added to the matrimonial pot to be split between you along with everything else - the equity in the house, pensions, etc.

If you’re not getting divorced yet then it isn’t a ‘right now’ issue, but the furniture might be if one or other of you are moving out.

When you do come to get divorced, the whole financial picture of you both is taken into account, as prh says. But at that point there will be all the other assets to consider too so try not to worry.

It depends on a lot of factors.

The big assets were split up in my divorce but the smaller amounts we each kept. Depends on how amicable you will both be too.

We have no other assets, I'm disabled (mental health problems) and he doesn't work. We rent our property and we don't even have a car. He has no savings and I only have the few grand of inheritance. Does any of that make a difference?

If the inheritance is the only asset you have, it may well get divided between you. That doesn't necessarily mean he will get half of it, but he may be entitled to some of it. See a solicitor. You may be able to find one who will give an initial half hour consultation for free.

if he has any decency he will do like I did and told my ex not to include it in her assets. She asked me and I agreed.

You'll probably have spent it by the time the divorce is ready to be finalised. It costs a few thousand to get divorced anyway (if you are getting a solicitor and a consent order, otherwise it's less than £1k)
If you are just separating, then keep it in your own account and spend it as you need it.

I would make sure there was no money left in that account by the time I was getting divorced

I think the best thing is to get advice from a solicitor as both you and your husband's emotions will be all over the place, which will not help decission making, or may well change any decisions made now.
It's sad when a relationship is no longer what it once was. I hope you have some friends/family who can support you.
As an aside, best username ever!