DH and I splitting up - what am I entitled to? Please help if you can...going crazy with worry here :0(

[BigBadMouse]

DH and I will be spliting up but I have no idea how we can afford to.

Ideal solution is he moves out leaving me and the DCs (4.5, 2.5 and 5m) in our mortgaged house. However, I cannot work due to the cost of childcare exeeding my possible wage (plus DS is only still a babby) so how can I afford to do this. We cannot afford to pay rent for DH and the mortgage too.

If I move to a rented property I have been told I will get some help towards the rent but I won't get help towards the mortgage repayments if I stay in our family home.

I have to go but no idea how - silly CAB won't give me an appointment for two weeks and in the meantime I'm getting even more concerned about how to achieve what we need to.

Help! Sorry for any typos / mad ramblings - rather sleep deprived atm!

TIA

No idea about what you're entitled to (someone else will be able to speak to that), but think you must consider creative ways to stay in the family home.

• Do you have family nearby who could help with looking after the children?
• Could you take in a lodger who could pay rent?
• Could you take in a lodger who might also be able to babysit periodically?
• Can you do ironing/cooking/sewing/etc in exchange for something else?
• Can your dh move in with a friend or family so that his rent is minimal?

Just some ideas....

How much equity do you have, and what is the size of your mortgage? Do you have any joint savings and/or debts?

It may be worth seeing if you can get a free slot with a local solicitor. If property is involved then whilst the CAB can outline some options they will have to refer you to a solicitor. You may be able to get assistance with the fees from the Public Fund.

Is the separation amicable in that you can discuss things sensibly?

You will be entitled to maintenance for the children, though this does affect your benefit entitlement.

In terms of benefits you should claim income support (up to £60.50 a week) and council tax benefit (depends on income/savings). You will also continue to get child tax credit and child benefit. If you make a claim for income support then you will get help with your mortgage interest after 39 weeks.

The CAB will also ask you to explore whetehr there are any avenues to restore the relationship. Even the best relationship will be under some considerable stress with 3 children under 5.

No family nearby
No room for a lodger (5 of us in 2 bed place as it is)
I am setting up my own business atm so hopefull ythat will bring in a little bit of cash (doubt it will be much though)
DH has no family nearby either, no friends with room to spare

but thanks for the ideas Earlybird - there must be something I haven't thought of yet. I'm looking after the DCs completely on my own with no other help or support so no idea really how I;m going to find a way to raise much cash.

Thanks Ladymuck - no joint savings or debts. The separation is amicable atm. There is absolutly no way this can be resolved atm - we have to split (for reasons I can't discuss).

Will chack back later - DS not happy and have to go.

Thanks for replies