what info do I need to know for benefits and separating from (d)h?

[Ihatefootball]

Hi,
From those that have been through separating, dividing up house and assets, as well as claiming benefits for the first time,could you advise me on what info I need at hand please? I am currently self employed with a regular income but not claiming any benefits and own a morgaged home jointly and own another flat in another town currently rented out.

I presume value of house, mortgage, bills etc. Incomings as earnings and outgoings. What about capital value and stuff like that when claiming benefits?

How common are mesher orders if I can afford to stay in house? Indeed, rather, if stbxh won't move out? My options?

I hope some of you who are going through this or who have been through it might advise?

I have been to CAB but a rather vague woman talked me through a website I had already looked at, worked out some rough financials based on the vague info I knew about how much capital value there was in the properties, gave me a print out of the results and then refused to allow me to take it with me!

You will need details of your savings, NI number, and your income from work, investments/rent if your a landlord.

You can go online and apply for benefits (I think). If you have more than 16k in savings then there will be some compromise with regards to what benefits you can get.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.

Does anyone have any more info on how things work when you own a (mortgaged) house?

You either need to sell and split the profits or buy your DH out. Unless of course you come to some agreement together verbally. Which would then still need to be put in writing for your own peace of mind.

Do you have DC together?

If you're married all assets are equal. A solicitor may be your best bet really. Is the flat in your name?

You will need to see a solicitor. Many will give 30 mins free advice to start with.

Good luck.

The flat is solely in my name.

Does anyone know about mesher orders? Maybe I should start a separate thread for that. I could afford the house me and 3dc live in, but does a mesher order mean each person pays half the mortgage, the person living there pays the bills and you sell up when the kids reach a certain age? Then split the profits?