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Legal matters

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Please help me, ex stripping everything from us while living high end life

25 replies

Darkershadeofpink · 31/05/2025 21:59

long time lurker, now struggling with my mental health due to what he’s putting me through. I’d appreciate any help or thoughts please. Please be gentle with me. I’ve had solicitor but find shes not doing anything and I don’t know how his solicitors conduct is allowed or if I should raise with SRA. I can’t see a way forward how to get out of this and if this level of stripping is of everything is allowed. The solicitor is charging so much for court that I cannot afford her. I can’t get legal aid. I don’t know whether to get a charge on house but he’s left me little as it is. He thinks he’s going to get nearly 70 percent. Doesn’t have the children.

I am basically being bled dry financially and cannot afford a solicitor now and feel in this horrendous fear and freeze state. I have stage 4 cancer and not really well enough to cope with the post separation abuse or process what on earth has happened to our lives. Have 3 DC up to age 13.

Ex left last year, claiming unhappy but introduced the children to OW within 4 months. Evidence of affair. There’s been abuse towards us, some physical, mainly emotional, verbal, psychological. I’ve declared this in proceedings and it’s going to fact finding. Assaulted one of children then blamed me and the child. Lost a job last year and blamed me. Pleads poverty and says is going bankrupt, but voluntary form E last year showed massive amounts of spending on himself and OW. You get the picture.

He moved two hours away to his home town. Sees OW half of week at least. Children didn’t want to go and there’s been abuse, he went court route as I cannot mediate with him. So now so far he cannot see children as fact finding coming. I am terrified of that. I felt drained doing DRA on my own.

There has been financial abuse. He’s not left me enough to get solicitor but just over £20k. With this I can’t go through court. I cannot pay bills and live long term. I am scared to spend anything beyond food as it will go eventually. When he left, he got a sports car, rented a house, went on a spending spree for months and months. Refused to petition then did months later. I didn’t realise how much spent on OW and it made me ill last year. I’m having cancer scans now as suspected reoccurrence.

So now he’s taken the children out of private schools, having pleaded poverty. I have children 100 percent of the time. They are distraught as we cannot stay here so I have to find schools for them here and schools somewhere else with about a quarter of the money this house is worth when we move. So at least two schools. He’s already put the younger two through two schools now at primary. Didn’t like the first. Threatened to take them out and put them in state if they didn’t work there. Horrendous parenting by threats.

he didn’t pay a penny of the mortgage so not enough equity to go round for both of us. Daughters mental health is so bad shes becoming withdrawn, and angry at me at times. The younger two are having DV help at school.

He is now demanding I return the car that is on a lease. Though he bought a car for nearly £20k outright when he left. How can this be allowed. Is it? I drive children to school, and need it to find a house. I use it daily. We are spending weekends wandering round areas trying to find somewhere new to live. I have friends here, an excellent cancer centre, a world renowned oncologist. He’s also demanding they don’t do any activities, sports, hobbies. Try telling that to kids who desperately need to play a guitar to cope with this, who live to dance at weekends and who has competed as shes so passionate about it.

Can he just seize a lease car when the lease isn’t up, because he doesn’t want to pay for us at all anymore? I can’t work. I have cancer. I don’t know how long I have to live or what will happen when we move. I feel claustrophobic where I grew up. I don’t have anywhere to go. My mum is looking into getting me a council house. I currently have a 4 bed small house where I’m living with the children.

He has taken a job at a third of his previous salary to get away with minimum maintenance.

His solicitor is bullying and intimidating me to the point it’s nearly made me consider taking my own life. My daughter is depressed. None of them want to see him again. He was abusive.

is he allowed to behave this way?? Can they bully and threaten to take everything and say there’s no evidence I have cancer when there is. Is this standard terminology or is this gaslighting? How do I get help please when a solicitor I instructed at £250 an hour is quoting £100k to go through court for finances and similar for children. I feel so scared. My mum contacted my MP to help as it feels there’s nothing and no one to help.

I struggle to even do form E. I paid a mackenzie friend and she took off with my money. .

can I deal with the car myself? Can he refuse to pay for insurance, tax, permits, demand I return it before the lease is up? It’s not due for return until next year. He bought a sports car and £8k train ticket while leaving me £20k total.

I reached out to his family last year and they won’t reply. The children don’t want to see them again. They’ve refused to call on birthdays despite me offering. I used to get on with them. I’ve known them nearly 30 years.

I cant believe any of this is legal, or admissible.

please can you help me. I sometimes feel like I can’t go on anymore. Every day I feel frozen, scared and the abuse is repeating itself in my brain. I have a non mol.

thank you so much.

OP posts:
IReallyLoveItHere · 31/05/2025 22:13

Oh goodness, that is a lot going on. What support do you have, family or friends to help you think clearly? You must be beside yourself.

Can you speak to women's aid or similar? I think this won't be uncommon situation.

You do need a solicitor. Is there any reason why you wouldn't get half of the house equity and other assets? I assume it'd be a fair amount and there should be a solicitor who will wait for settlement for most of the bill (after they've satisfied themselves it will be sufficient).

The car - assuming the lease is in his name yes he can end it at any time. He can certainly take the car off you I'm afraid.

Darkershadeofpink · 31/05/2025 22:21

Thank you so much for your kindness. It is my first post and I am beside myself. I am scared of taking a charge on the house as the solicitor is quoting £150k basically and I cannot afford to even buy a small house where I grew up for this. The solicitor also says I’ll need a barrister. For fact finding and finances. So closer to £200k. I will get about £300k equity. It doesn’t feel the right decision.

The solicitor is suggesting private FDR and asked him for money. He said no.

he’s refusing to offer interim maintenance. He’s refusing to pay for anything.

so he can take the car and I have to ask an elderly relative to loan me a small amount? Is this fair? My mum is elderly and my aunt is in a care home. I can’t get a loan.

I have two good friends bit they want to go for walks to talk with the children. I desperately needed someone to just sit with me and watch ad I do the forms. Or help me do them. It feels I have cross wires with what I need and what people think they can give. I feel quite deflated that I cannot cope with the forms. I find it triggers me so much and I cry hysterically and cannot understand what they all mean.

I don’t understand how this can be allowed. Who helps if you cannot afford this? Is his solicitor allowed to be so vicious and say there’s no evidence I have cancer, that I need to work when I cannot, that I am to blame for every single thing to the point it’s pushing to the edge? Thank you for listening and your reply

OP posts:
MarxistMags · 01/06/2025 00:33

I'm not sure what this means ? " paid a mackenzie friend and she took off with my money."
I think you need to look into getting some more legal advice. What about Citizens advice ? Or hospital social worker who could advise you where to get help ? Cancer charities ? I can't believe he has behaved so despicably towards you and your kids.
I hope that you are recovering despite the stress you are under.

S0j0urn4r · 01/06/2025 00:35

Agree try Citizen's Advice.

Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 07:07

Thank you. CAB have only advised on benefits. Nothing legal. Say they can’t. I haven’t found it great.

I paid a mackenzie friend and she’s taken my money to attend court and said she’s keeping it. That she might return it if someone else pays her. I spoke to CAB and wrote her a letter. Now I have to take her to court if she doesn’t give my money back. CAB were good with this as sent template letter to complete.

i haven’t heard of hospital social worker so will try that.

I am drowning with the stress of all this and it is making me ill unfortunately.

has anyone managed a situation like this themselves through the court? Does the judge help? At the DRA his barrister was attacking me and no one intervened. I just let her go on and calmly said my piece. But it’s traumatised and exhausted me.

thank you

OP posts:
DayDreamAway · 01/06/2025 07:19

I’m sorry you’re living this and your children too.
you might find it helpful to start following the divorce coach on social media.When you start to see the patterns of behaviour you experience you won’t feel so alone..unfortunately it is very common with high conflict personality types.

You should consider making an application for interim maintenance (MPS hearing). I was awarded interim maintenance until the divorce is finalised and ex was also ordered to pay the costs of the hearing. I would consider making interim finances your first step, it would bring immediate financial stability for you and your children. The courts will seek to protect your children’s standard of living and if you are unable to work and are full time carer for your children that will be taken into consideration.

millymollymoomoo · 01/06/2025 08:06

I do t have any advice but you may want to post this in the legal matters section as there are lawyers there who may be able hi point you in the right direction

im sorry thst you are having to go through this and wish you strength to get through it

and as per pp, put in a claim for maintenance pending suit right now!

Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 08:24

Thank you. I’ll move the post. He has reduced his income to a third of his salary and says he’s going bankrupt. He can still afford high end restaurants etc. He is asking me to pay for everything we have, bills, car, freezing joint account so there’s no money. I don’t know what happens if he can’t afford to pay and I can’t either. This is a man who earnt £300k. He has withdrawn thousands so we don’t get it. Thinks the children don’t need to do anything. Is is allowed that his solicitor can bully, intimidate and blame me for everything please, losing his job when he’s not living here, I made him assault our child. It’s horrible living in this headspace of trauma and blame.

OP posts:
Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 08:28

How do I move this to legal please ? Thanks

OP posts:
Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 08:29

I’ve down the freedom programme and see the patterns. When I’m getting solicitor letters on my birthday at nearly 10pm it’s pushing me into mental suffering.

OP posts:
cauliflowercheeseplease · 01/06/2025 08:32

Do you have a MacMillan centre near you? We have one at our local hospital and they are absolutely fantastic and will help in these exact circumstances x

drspouse · 01/06/2025 08:34

Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 08:28

How do I move this to legal please ? Thanks

I've reported it for you which will get the thread moved.

Can you find a different, cheaper but better, lawyer? I am no expert but this seems way too much.

millymollymoomoo · 01/06/2025 08:36

You don’t need to move the post
just post another also in legal section

KentishMama · 01/06/2025 08:40

As a fellow cancer patient, I think you might get better help and advice through one of them major cancer charities. Macmillan, Penny Brohn, or one related to your specific cancer. With stage 4 cancer, you will want to secure your children's future, and that added pressure is something these charities understand better than anyone.

TheRealMrsFeltz · 01/06/2025 09:01

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this, it sounds incredibly stressful.

Speak to MacMillan, they can offer practical support / emotional support. (tel:0808 808 00 00 0808 808 00 00

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help

Sending you a very big handhold 💛

DonewhatIcando · 01/06/2025 09:32

Have you looked into getting legal aid?
I posted on a thread yesterday about my dsis situation in court.
When she looked into legal aid she was told she could only get it if there was DV, from what you've said, you could qualify.
Dsis had to represent herself as she couldn't afford a solicitor (no DV), she got totally shafted in court.
Contact WA and ring a couple of solicitors who will give you a free consultation and see if you qualify for LA

Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 18:34

Thanks for your thoughts. I’ve just called macmillan again and they can’t help with anything. Only benefits. I’ve tried macmillan, my local cancer centre and maggies. They just say phone Relate. Who are counselling not anything like this. I can’t get legal aid as there’s equity in the house. I’m not well enough to do any of this. Thanks again. I’ll post on legal and see if there’s any help

OP posts:
Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 18:36

Sorry is this in Legal? I’d really appreciate anyone who is a solicitor or who could point me in right direction. Does it really cost this much for court? I had solicitor but she’s made me do all the forms. I’ve been up all night sometimes doing it and can’t anymore.

OP posts:
Darkershadeofpink · 01/06/2025 23:14

Please anyone? I feel so desperate

OP posts:
boredwfh · 01/06/2025 23:38

you have to be on benefits and have ‘proof’ of DV such as police record or a letter from a dr or DV charity who says they believe you have been a victim. The equity doesn’t matter. Yes they can drag it out & solictor will write pretty much what ex wants. Follow online resources for the form I’ll see if I can find the link tomorrow. My DP is doing form E & going through similar with ex abusive ex. He can’t afford a solicitor so is doing it himself. You have to be laser re focussed an factual & use all the online resources available. I wish you luck OP

Throwitawayagain · 01/06/2025 23:52

I'm so sorry you are going through all this. What an awful man.
I have a good friend going through similar (no cancer though). She is a member or a virtual support group for people divorcing narcissists. She finds it very helpful, practically and emotionally. I'd suggest something similar. She also has a book from Amazon (but you could order ftom library) and follows a website on this topic.
Keep in mind that he and his solicitor can say all they want about your personality. It is irrelevant. And those that love you know you. They know the truth.

Supima · 01/06/2025 23:53

I’m so sorry about your cancer. Maggies has free counsellors and I think that would help you. Depending on your diagnosis you may well qualify for PIP. They can help with that too. Contact this organisation which helps women with legal problems https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk. Try not to let the contents of his solicitor’s letters get to you. They are writing what he tells them to, and their words have no legal validity. You can go to the CSA for child support tomorrow. Good luck and I hope you get some sleep.

Home - Rights of Women

Rights of Women is a charity that provides free confidential legal advice and information to women on the law in England and Wales with a specific focus on Violence Against Women and Girls. We also campaign for access to justice and safety for all wome...

https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk

Darkershadeofpink · 03/06/2025 10:27

Thank you. I think I need to join a support group and get some help to manage the emotions. I see what he’s doing but the solicitor letters are triggering. The cancer charities, although very good, are there to help with cancer diagnosis, and that pathway.

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 03/06/2025 10:34

It is a long shot, but does your home insurance have a free legal advice component? I often suggest this because I saw this on MN years ago and I checked my own policy, used the service and it was really helpful.

myrtle70 · 03/06/2025 10:54

Cancel the solicitor as that quote is ridiculous. Post on divorce thread for help completing forms and look at advicenow guide and wikivorce. I’m guessing the high cost is because he’s hiding money but there’s no point spending huge amounts for £300k outcome. I did all paperwork myself and used direct access barrister for hearings - ex dragged it out to maximum and refused to negotiate so FDR was wasted - so I spent about £25k on legal fees in end but would have been half that if he’d accepted my offer or negotiated. You just have to use what you have eg spending from bank accounts or photos of his car if you can’t afford reports.

How much money did your friend take - going through a small claim is not expensive and is all done online and just threatening it may be enough for her to repay.

it obviously depends on judge you get but I got a younger female judge at final hearing and the aggressive abuse against me and lies / hiding of money (much less than in your scenario) did my ex no favours in the settlement. Trust that the fact you have taken on all costs and dc and he’s avoiding responsibilities will speak for itself.

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