Divorce, children and the house

[Cantsleep22]

My husband walked out me and my two children (6 and 8 months) 2 weeks ago. He is already asking for a divorce and says I can have the house if u can afford the mortgage. On paper I can with benefits, child maintenance, my wage. My question is would a mortgage company look at all Incomings or just my wage? If it’s just my wage there is no way I can get a mortgage. We’ve only been here 1 year, have 255,000 left to pay. Is there anyway I can contact the mortgage lender, explain the situation and they let me drop to an interest only mortgage? I have no idea which way to turn with this. Is there a reason he has acted so quickly to get a divorce? If I agree to the divorce does this affect any rights I have over the house? We jointly own it 50/50

You need to slow down which I know is difficult. You really need some legal advice which is difficult as the costs are circa £300 an hour

No one on here can advise you about the mortgage properly but to be frank if you are on benefits they are j likely to allow you to take the mortgage on yourself as you probably won't meet the affordability criteria

The financials will be sorted by looking at the whole picture of what assets there are, how long married, children and who is giving care etc

So what do I do? Wait for it to go to court? When the divorce papers come through so I contest the divorce saying we are still to sort out the house/kids/maintenance? I am on unpaid maternity leave at the moment so can’t afford a solicitor. I have no idea what to do I am really in a mess

Are you in a union? They often offer free legal advice. Sometimes your house insurance does. Or join Which - all members get access to a free legal helpline.

No I’m not in a union. I have checked the home insurance and we have Family legal protection. Would this be what I need for free legal advice?

Hi @Cantsleep22. I'm so sorry this has happened to you, especially when you're on maternity leave. It might be worth looking at the MN Relationships board, there's lots of people going through similar things there, and lots of good advice from people that have been in the same boat.