Advice needed, sister about to leave long term partner.

[nancy10]

My sister was in an unhappy relationship and it has come to a head today and it's over. They have 4 children together and he has basically told her he will not leave the house and it's her who needs to find new accomodation for herself and their 4 children (under 8.) This weekend they are staying with me. I'm 3 weeks away from having a baby and already have children. As much as I'd love to help her out we can't afford to feed ourselves and another family and provide them with a home as well as having a new baby. I have spoken to our mum and as much as she likes dishing out advice she has not offered to let them stay with her. Obviously I'm not going to turn my back on them but I'm really starting to panic. Her now ex-partner for some reason has all the child benefit paid into his account. I don't know what they plan to do financially, I know he'll have to pay maintenance but if he digs his heels in and doesn't cooperate for the next few weeks we'll all be up shit street. I've made her an appt at Citizens Advice for Monday and was wondering just how long it will take for them to get some kind of benefits and housing.

benefits,with in 2 weeks from application if she's lucky

housing....well there is none. not in most places anyway. it will be temp accomadation or a b and b.

You say 'partner' so am assuming they weren't married
Who owns the accomodation her partner is staying in? If it is jointly owned she has as much right to stay there as he does, and if she can stomach it should stay put until they sort out the separation and everything. By moving out she leaves herself in a very vulnerable position and he will argue he needs to keep the accomodation in order to have the children stay/visit him.

Very unlikely she'll get housing through the council. Might be better off to find somewhere privately rented and if your mum or you could be guarantor for her that could help.
She needs to get the CB changed to her immediately and put in a claim with CSA (which will take weeks to get sorted). If he's told her to leave and this has left his children homeless do you really think he'll play fair/nice re handing over the CB and any maintenance due. Has he offered her anything in terms of taking care of the children (in order to provide food/shelter for them?)

Citizen's Advice is a good place to start. She should contact child benefit and tax credits asap and get that paid into her account. Try looking at www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk. There is a helpline number on the website which I phoned and got free legal advice over the phone as I was entitled to legal aid which I'm sure your sister would be. Could be worth threatening him with CSA just to see if it helps him cough up some money.

Really hope things work out for her. It is such as difficult time but she's really brave for making the decision. xx