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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

DP and his DD are in for one hell of a shock. Have I gone too far?

264 replies

BlackBirdSinging · 02/05/2011 17:21

I have namechanged but am a regular (cod, gregs etc) I frequent the step parent forum so if you recognise me pls don't out me. Brief background - DP and I got together 4 years ago, I moved in with him at first but found it hard to make the house feel like my home so we eventually moved to a mutual house (me, DP DSD and DS). He is a true disney dad, hands her everything on a plate, she does no wrong, she's misunderstood etc. It has caused no end of arguments but its not just this, he constantly lies to me and keeps things from me, goes against my wishes, does whatever he wants and doesn't factor in my feelings on anything. The gist of it is that I feel I have been taken entirely for a ride. I earn double what he does which isn't a problem, I would have been willing to say what's mine is yours but they have been taking the piss for years. The original plan was that we split all income (mine and his wage) and then pay half the bills each, put a bit into savings and then split whatever is left so we each have "an equal amount of personal money". This worked well at first until he stopped paying his half of the savings. He'd blow all his money and then expect me to give him some of mine. He insisted that DSd's pocket money be doubled but still insisted on us paying for everything for her so she never had to spend it. He agreed to expensive horse riding lessons without consulting me about it despite the fact that I'd be the one that had to pay for them. Last april we booked a holiday abroad, we decided to lay down £1000 deposit. When it came to booking it DP said he had no money but if I laid it out he'd give me £100 towards it and then paid me the rest when he got paid. I was furious but did it. Needless to say I never saw the rest of it so I personally have laid out £900 on the holiday. He's put £100 on it. (remember the household income is split so it's not as if I have more money than him, we both have the same). There was always a lot of whispering etc going on between him and DSD, they'd go in the kitchen and shut the door and I'd hear them whispering etc. One night I read his text messages and she'd sent him one saying "just tell her your using her car, you pay for it too". He replied "but she'll be using it then" and she replied "she can use the old one, dont let her boss you around. I'm seriously not going in the crappy old car, we are using hers. Just dont even tell her, just take it x" and he replied with "lol I'll see what I can do".

This was basically a discussion on him using my car to take her to a party. We have two cars, a 10 year old rover and a 2010 Focus. The focus is mine. I was planning to use it this particular night to visit friends (in which I'd also be driving friends in it). He went outside that night, came in said his car wouldn't start and he'd have to take mine or DD would be late. I said he couldn't use it as I also had plans. He said I was being selfish making his dd miss a party just so I could visit friends for an hour. I backed down. I saw them pull away laughing in my car. I didn't want to cancel so tried the rover myself. It was fine. When I saw the texts I realised what had happened.

Things like this happen all the time. I checked his phone often after this and noticed they had given me a rather cruel nickname which they referred to me in their texts. They were also laughing about my DS being bullied on facebook and I came across a text in which she was trying to convince him to take my credit card to buy her a laptop. (He was considering it, I could tell by his responses).

I checked her phone once too and came across messages between her and a friend in which she told her friend that I was a horrible bitch and really selfish and her dad hated me and only stayed with me for money etc. They had a good laugh about me and towards the end she told her friend "I hope he kicks the shit out of her cos I know he wants to and shed never be able to prove it was him lol"

So, nail on the coffin - she came home from horse-riding one day with a leaflet about a pony camp. He asked me if I'd lend him the money to let her go. I said no, simply because he still owed me £400 for the holiday PLUS we still needed to find another £2k to pay OFF the holiday which was blatently going to be left to me to pay. We ended up having a massive row, I told him I was sick of him and wanted to split up. He said he couldn't wait to see the back of me. Stupidly we did make up but he told her she could go on the pony camp. I told him that if she went on the pony camp, not only would I refuse to pay a penny towards it but I'd also take both of their names off the holiday booking. When I checked his phone later that night she'd sent a text saying "what if she really does take us off the hol?" and he replied "don't worry, she won't x" Another text read "if you do split up, make sure we get the focus" and he replied "lol I definately would".

So the current situation is I HAVE taken them off the holiday booking. I have paid off the Focus so it is legally all mine and I have secured DS and I another house to move in to when we come back off our holiday. My brother will be collecting my belongings (almost everything in the house since he hasn't paid for sod all)

They have no idea about any of it. Why the hell am I starting to feel guilty/scared/nervous about the whole thing?? I know the shit is going to hit the fan because he can't afford to keep that house himself so he'll get thrown out. He'll be furious about the car (so will she) and they'll be gutted about the holiday. Have I royally cocked all this up? I feel like I'm doing the wrong thing somewhere. I'm gutted about the whole thing and just can't think straight.

OP posts:
RubyFakeNails · 02/05/2011 17:57

You are amazing! Well done for having the strength to do this just stick with it, I've never been in this kind of situation but I think I would have declared a war by now, who cares about being petty or mean, just think how they would treat you if the situation was reversed, saying "make sure we get the focus", the fucking audacity! Keep thinking of your DS that will keep you strong.

Things you do need to consider are :

Confirm car is legally yours and he has no entitlement also remove him from the insurance, tax etc

Joint credit cards are cancelled and empty and joint account- be sure he can't run up debts in your name

important post such as banks etc will be forwarded to your new address

Depending on your relationship with the landlord, speak to them make sure you will not be liable, never know they might tell him to leave the same day you do. Sort out about council tax asap as well.

If any of these payments you make for her such as the horse riding is direct debit be sure to cancel that.

You said you have the day before you go to sort stuff so if in your name I would contact your electricity, phone and gas etc maybe when your brother collects your things he can take a metre reading.

Also passwords such as for email, facebook, internet banking, mobile contracts would start changing them.

Make a list of everything you want your brother to take.

I'd be sure to tell him I'd never loved him I just wanted the childcare or something else that will piss him off and that he and his horrendous daughter can fuck right off, the atm is now closed!

Also email/text them pics of your lovely holiday!

GwendolineMaryLacey · 02/05/2011 17:58

I did wonder that, what's going to happen when your brother comes? You're not going away till the following day.

TheyKnowEsperanto · 02/05/2011 17:59

OP I have read of some of your incidents described before on other threads so I vaguely recognise your story and am so glad you are getting you and your DS out. They have behaved awfully to you and they deserve no less than to have their funding withdrawn, which is essentially all you are doing. xDP will have to sort out somewhere for them both to live. Please check all your financial arrangements so you have properly shut down any avenues for him to bleed you dry. Has your brother got a garage for the car to go in? Can you hire one nearby? Am just concerned there will be some confrontation when your DB arrives to move your furniture?

If I read right the furniture removal is happening the day before going on holiday so you and DS will need to be safe and away from the house and ready to go on holiday. Do not shit yourself! You have done amazingly to get this far. Only another month and you and DS will be free. I would make sure all your important documents/financial paperwork/passports and sentimental stuff (photos, jewelry) etc are out of the house safe at DBs before he takes any furniture and they realise what is happening.

ChaoticAngelQueenofAnarchy · 02/05/2011 18:00

MsToni is right, stay at your brother's the night before if you can. Good luck OP and don't feel guilty, you have no reason to be, especially after the way they've treated you.

BlackBirdSinging · 02/05/2011 18:00

I'm going offline for a while, I'll be back on tonight.

GrumpyPants, I don't have enough money to buy a house. I paid £2000 deposit on the car (Money I had saved for years) and got the rest on finance. Paid off around £1000 on finance and then paid the rest off with more savings when I felt I had no other option but the finalise ownership of it. My savings are not looking great now lol.

Reality, we're going to Madeira.

Will check back later.

OP posts:
RubyFakeNails · 02/05/2011 18:01

Sorry just read what you said to landlady, good for you, I'm sure had she known the truth she would of still sympathised as what you've experienced is really nasty.

DO NOT TELL THEM ABOUT THE HOLIDAY! I'd be tempted to let them try and check in! This guy is a real prick, don't forget it and don't give him any more than he deserves.

HerHissyness · 02/05/2011 18:02

If OP hands in her notice on the tenancy, and states that Ex has no right to the property that ought to be enough, he will have to leave at the end of the notice period.

If HE doesn't the LL will have to legally evict him through the courts. He may choose to do this, as otherwise he'll be classed as intentionally homeless.

Get some heavyweight advice, follow this through, it's absolutely the right thing to do, but make sure you are not exposing yourself. CAB can be very helpful.

when IS the holiday?

DuelingFanjo · 02/05/2011 18:02

unbelievable, I can't belive people behave like this. Thank god you don't have children together.

grumpypants · 02/05/2011 18:02

oh, well, almost thank goodness - a joint mortgaged house would be really tricky.

please try to do this safely (ie not being alone after you have dropped the bombshell)

ratspeaker · 02/05/2011 18:02

Change all your passwords and your son's too.

Is the focus registered with the DVLA in your name?

Maybe some legal advice would be an idea especially in regards to the tenancy.
Get your name taken off anything you have in common with him

How long is i before your holiday?
I'd quietly move passports, documents, anything important to you to your brothers, now

BitOfFun · 02/05/2011 18:04

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HerHissyness · 02/05/2011 18:04

Ah, just read the LL story, brilliant, now make sure he can do you no harm at all financially.

TheyKnowEsperanto · 02/05/2011 18:05

Excellent list from Ruby

Is there no way your DB can clear furniture with key when you ALL leave for airport and then 'lose' them somewhere in airport and go and check in and fly off without them as they discover they were never booked on the flight? I know it would be nervewracking but would DB (or even hire some removal men so can all be done quickly before they return home) be able to do that?

FakePlasticTrees · 02/05/2011 18:06

firstly, well done!

also agree with others, you need to move any documents, valuables etc now, not wait until your 'big' move, he/she might get an idea of what's going on between now and then.

Good luck!

Leverkusen · 02/05/2011 18:07

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ZZZenAgain · 02/05/2011 18:08

yes I was thinking it would be best to do the removal quickly, with other people as well as your brother and when this creep is not around - either at work or indeed even at the airport. How would your brother manage if this man gets difficult? Is it a lot to move?

mathanxiety · 02/05/2011 18:10

Good thing you didn't get married.

Check your credit immediately (Experian, etc).

You are doing the right thing for you and for your DS. Stay strong and do not weaken.

Doha · 02/05/2011 18:12

I think the shit will hit the fan when he realises that you have taken him and his DD off the holiday. You need to be out of that house before you go on holiday and get your car somewhere safe.
Make sure there is none of your money in the joint account

FreudianSlipper · 02/05/2011 18:14

you have noting to feel guilty about, if he was being honest and upfront you would be able to talk to him but he is not so you have no choice

good for you hope you and your ds enjoy your holiday and you are going to have a great life together away from this leech and his daughter that he sadly encourages to behave like himself

bellavita · 02/05/2011 18:14

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ivykaty44 · 02/05/2011 18:15

There is soem great advise on hear, the main point is any joint accounts and getting them cleared and then frozen so he can't make them overdrawn.

You need to see the bank about getting this done after you have cleared out the money you want to.

I would be temped to just get my name off every joint account, leaving his share of any money and his name on each account - if you can?

juneau · 02/05/2011 18:17

You rock! Seriously. I know you must be really nervous about leaving them in the lurch, but oh my god do they deserve it! What a horrible, back-stabbing pair of spongers. You have nothing to feel bad about. And you HAVE been abused - not physically - but certainly in other ways. So don't feel guilty for what you're about to do.

cremeeggsbenedict · 02/05/2011 18:19

One thing I'd do is take photographs of the incriminating texts (in addition to all the very wise advice above) so you have something tangible to fall back on if he gets really difficult. It would give me some peace of mind.

Re the car - DVLA shows registered keeper, not the owner, so keep evidence of you paying for it with your money, as otherwise xDP could claim it's his and is only registered for you for insurance purposes.

Stay safe, and huge kudos to you for being brave enough to do this!

ivykaty44 · 02/05/2011 18:19

From what I remember when a friend had a joint account and had left her dh - she couldn't get her name off the account until it was not overdrawn.

So as long as the account is not over drawn there shoudln't be any reason to take your name off the account - I think.

but leaving your name on the account as she did and then he withdrew up to the £2000 overdraft limit and it was a nightmare

grumpypants · 02/05/2011 18:19

or forward the texts to your own phone?