new lone parents, what do we need to know?

[blackeyedsusan]

Help! I need advice, my relationship with h is unravelling rapidly. What do I need to know and what should I do first? What advice were you given that was really useful?

I'm a bit of a mess to be honest and shellshocked, could do with a good kick up the bum to get me organised.

Money would be my top concern. Sounds mercenary but you have to eat and have a roof over your head. Work out where you're going to live and how you're going to afford it.

Make a list of everything you need to do and all the benefits you can claim.

Phone the CAB if you are not sure what help you are entitled to. Also shelter are really good if you have any housing questions.

It is so tempting to just hide under the duvet and pretend it isn't happening so i found having a clear cut list that i could cross things of helped.

Yes money - empty shared accounts, squirrel away what you can.
Documents - make sure you've got them.
Somewhere to live - get this organised (visit CAB if you need to know benefit entitlement)
Don't let on what you're doing (hard if you're used to consulting him all the time).