Paying ex off while on UC

[Rachel51987]

Hello,

My ex and I have just applied for a conditional order and are in the process of sorting out finances. I am living in (and paying the mortgage for) the family home, he has an apartment and pays child maintenance.
The plan is for me to pay him half the equity in the house when we get divorced, for which family will loan me the money. I may also need to loan some more money from family, as the bank is hesitant to give me a mortgage for the complete outstanding amount on my own.
Here is my issue now.

1. I am receiving some Universal Credit. Now, if my family will transfer me money to pay him off, does that count as savings? As it is over 16k.
2. Similar, if they transfer me money to overpay the mortgage to bring the total down, will that be seen as deprivation of assets? This is a soft loan, so there would be a "debt" against it.

This is just all very unclear to me and I am obviously concerned about losing the UC payment.

I appreciate any advice!

I think you should ask citizen advice Bureau

Can family pay him direct?

I think you need to speak to your mortgage company before you do anything else. Taking your ex off the deeds will also likely require him to come off the mortgage, for which you will need to take a mortgage in your own name, with your own affordability.

You said that him coming off the deed will require a 'loan' from your family for his share of the equity. The bank can then tie in the cash transfer from your family, but they will likely need a signed document from them to say the money is a gift and not repayable.

So, whilst the cash might not need to go through your account, I suspect you'll have more hurdles to jump with your mortgage in the first place.

That may be an option, thank you. Maybe they can even pay the bank/ overpay the mortgage directly too. Something to think about and investigate, thank you!