Moving to Ireland after marriage breakdown - cost of living queries

[galwaygirl1971]

Hi,

I will most likely be moving to Ireland (Galway) in the Summer with my daughter. I split from my husband of 20 years last year and am thinking that moving 'home' is a positive thing to do.

Ex is fighting over sale of the house - wants a much larger percentage as he'll be looking for a place in London and Galway will be much cheaper. My argument (still 60:40 in his favour) is that I need a cushion as there are bugger all jobs and cost we are not used to. Basically I want to boost (or not) my argument by knowing what the costs are. I know that have to pay for GP, school books. Has anyone made the move and if so, can you tell me about extra living costs in Ireland versus UK?

What if he meets another woman down the line, the civil financial arrangements could go down the tubes - it does sound dangerous to not go down the legal route.

But this leaves you in no-mans land! And without a legal agreement you have no way of knowing what might happen in the future. You believe he won't see your dds go without but you don't know that. He may meet someone new, decide to move abroad, start a new family, lose his job or any one of a number of other things which mean you could be left high and dry financially.

Once you are not with some one trust is btoken. My husband promised to pay a 12k school bill. 2 week before school started he wrote to the school to withdraw parental responsibility and spent 34k of childrens savings. I would nevee have believed a parent could do this. Sadly it happens.

You will be on such shaky ground in the future. I understand you are saying he will be an honourable father but what about when DD2 reaches adulthood and he has no responsibility to you. If he has in the meantime liquidated his pension to set up with another woman (and let's be honest he's unlikely to stay single forever) you will lose something you are entitled to. Your DD's know you have split so a divorce is only paperwork but paperwork that affects your legal entitlements. Many divorces can be perfectly amicable.

there is a space after a marriage breakdown where all things are possible, including a reconciliation. love is a habit as much as anything else and it takes time to break that habit. you say that he has had a years head-start on you in that regard - probably why his heart seems less in it than yours. this time usually ends with distance from the event or unfortunately, with an action that makes return impossible. an amicable relationship is the ideal and is always possible if he accepts the civility that you are extending to him. Civility needs to include self protection in order to be respected. take care of yourself and your daughters; have the option to spend your money as and when you believe their needs most require it. Don't forgo this opportunity in order to fund a future nursery or socialist think tank or whatever use he puts his extra accommodation to. Is this man thinking of your future comforts or would he have the coat off your back?
on the 3 bed apartment - asking prices are still an aspiration and rarely achieved. it might be worth getting to know the market, get to know agents, tell them your budget and that you are looking for a deal. You will be a cash customer, people out there are looking for you and will reduce their price to get you.