Advice needed please

[ELC2018]

Hello. This is my first time on here. I'm looking for advice, my marriage of 7years is seriously breaking down. We have been together 16years. We have a lovely little 18month old boy who we tried for 5years for. Since the birth of our son things have changed and I personally feel he doesn't want to be here, still wants the going out every weekend life style.
We are currently on lockdown so don't know where to turn for advice.....
We have a lovely 3bed house- mortgage.
If we separate, I want to keep the house for my son stability. I only work 20hours a week since having my son and wouldn't be able to afford all the bills myself.
Does he have to pay part of the mortgage/council and utilities bills??
Would I be entitled to anything like family tax credits etc?
I've never claimed for anything in my life so don't know how the system works. Do I have to be divorced before i get that etc

Just need some advice. We are trying to make it work but i need to know just encase.
Thank you.

You do need to speak to a solicitor. Make an appointment for a phone chat with someone specialising in divorce or family law.

Take a look at the turn2us website for benefits advice. You will be able to make a claim for universal credit. But this won't help with a mortgage. You only get the housing part if you rent. I think once the child is three they expect you to be working also. I don't get a lot of actual UC. But they pay 85% of my childcare bill. Which makes a real difference.

CMs website will give you an idea of what you can expect from the child's father. For one child it will be 12% of his salary. He might make promises of more but it is not legal expected to pay more than the CMS calculations.

As for the house. Your son is tiny. He will have stability because you make it for him. As already suggested get legal advice. Do the sums and look at what is affordable for you. Having a nice three bed house is no good if you are financially and emotionally stretched.