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Father has left Mother and Interest Only Mortgage Issue

38 replies

PomPomSugar · 11/09/2026 13:01

My mother (57) and father (58) have very recently unexpectedly seperated. My father called time on their marriage (together 41 years) and has moved out (currently do not know where he is staying). My mother is left in the property. My mother is unable to work due to various illnesses and has not worked for some years, my father has always been the main earner. A number of years ago they were struggling financially and changed their mortgage to an interest only mortgage, this was meant to be temporary but alas, they did not change it. My mother is now in a panic at a) covering the mortgage payment (c£650) and bills and b) when the term expires in 5 years paying off the main debt (around £125k). There is not enough equity to sell the house, repay the mortgage and secure even a flat for mother. She currenly receives a small amount of (I believe) PIP but has never pushed for any other support because she has always had my Father and didn't believe in taking what was not 'needed', however now she is in need. She is really struggling mentally and is very very low, and it is a struggle to get her to see the wood for the trees. I am in a rented property and do not have any means to help her. She has no other family. I have looked at equity release but I don't think she is able to do this due to the current L.T.V of the current mortgage. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am not familiar with benefits, could she claim universal credit without having any dependents at the property? She has no savings. I have already advised her to claim the reduction in council tax as she is a single occupier. I live three hours from her and I'm struggling to help from afar. Does anyone have any suggestions?

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 12/09/2026 13:33

PomPomSugar · 11/09/2026 20:29

The property is held as joint tenants and my father is still paying a proportion of his wage into to the joint account to ensure the mortgage (interest only) payment is made. He has told my mother he is walking away and will ‘leave her everything’ although at the moment that is a ticking time bomb around her neck. I suspect another woman is involved. I am a Conveyancer by trade so can help with property aspects but pension/benefits etc I am clueless unfortunately. Thank you for all help so far.

Edited

Early advice would be to sever the joint tenancy and make a will so that if Mum dies Dad doesn't collect.

AncientOlivetree · Yesterday 09:02

Defintely apply directly to council for single person council tax discount adap

AncientOlivetree · Yesterday 09:38

Your DM should apply for this if she is not working

It also pays her National insurance contributions towards state pension & other benefits

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Bromptotoo · Yesterday 10:02

AncientOlivetree · Yesterday 08:56

Already suggested upthread.

Kackacc · Yesterday 11:03

Remember to look after yourself as well OP. It sounds a difficult situation and your mum is vulnerable at the moment but they are not elderly and you should consider how much time and energy you give to their situation on an ongoing basis.

So long as your mum has mental capacity I would be looking how you can support and empower her rather than taking control. Whilst it's overwhelming at the minute and a natural reaction to want to solve this, you are not responsible for your parents. Like every separating couple, so long as there isn't any abuse between them, they will eventually need to engage with each other and agree a way forward once the initial shock of separation has worn off.

Exact benefit entitlement and any work requirements will depend on your Mums health conditions so help her make an appointment with Citizens Advice Bureau for benefits advice, and a family law solicitor for the divorce. Attend with her as a listening ear but try not to get stuck in the middle of their dispute.

herbetta · Yesterday 12:54

With the rent-a-room scheme you can earn approx £7.5k per annum tax free.

She also should have been claiming ESA etc as that would have given her NI credits towards her state pension.

In theory she is entitled to half the house and half his pension - I would also suggest meeting with both CAB & possibly also Age Concern for assistance.

Has she been ill for a long time or is it only the last 5-10 years? I ask this as sometimes ailments in mid/later life can be related to menopause - is she on HRT?

What job did she do when she did work (and what did you father do) as there can sometimes be grants or financial support available.

Turn 2 us is a great site for you to use to get an idea of what she claim or may be entitled to.

TallulahBetty · Today 08:42

What was the reason for the I-O mortgage, and what was their plan to pay the capital off?

Bromptotoo · Today 08:52

TallulahBetty · Today 08:42

What was the reason for the I-O mortgage, and what was their plan to pay the capital off?

I'm pretty sure OP said it was a question of affordability.

IO was so common as to be unremarkable until around 15 years ago. Was there a tightening of rules after a 'scandal' around no status loans.

Aside from mortgages that were IO from the outset a lot of people took out endowments and then when rates went through the roof they couldn't afford the premiums and policies lapsed.

TallulahBetty · Today 09:48

Bromptotoo · Today 08:52

I'm pretty sure OP said it was a question of affordability.

IO was so common as to be unremarkable until around 15 years ago. Was there a tightening of rules after a 'scandal' around no status loans.

Aside from mortgages that were IO from the outset a lot of people took out endowments and then when rates went through the roof they couldn't afford the premiums and policies lapsed.

OK, which is why I am asking what the plan was? That was not mentioned.

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