Starting to plan divorce

[Divorceonthehorizon2017]

Here's a cliche, disastrous Christmas now talking about divorce.
I haven't a clue where I stand financially / legally. Married 7 years, 2 children of primary age. I work part time, self employed, potential to increase hours over next year. Will still be term time only (so no pay in holidays). He's self employed too. House with quite a lot of equity, I own 60% share.
Need to stay in area to allow both children to finish primary but it's expensive here and I'd rather move closer to family once both in secondary (secondary schools accessible from there).
I plan to look for more work, up my income, will this help my mortgage chances? Or is being self employed a big problem? What about in the meantime, I've read i can't make him leave? And I can't afford this house alone. Would I get a larger percentage of equity as I will have the children with me?
Currently going from sobbing in the middle of the night to feeling quite excited about the future,then crashing down again.
Would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

No advice but I'm doing the same - it's scary but I know I won't be feeling the same this time next year

Sorry I can't advise you both, but I'll bump the thread for you.

Thank you. Would really appreciate some words of wisdom. Sorry you're in the same boat sodone.

I can sympathise as I was going through this 2 years ago. My daughters are older but I did get a greater share of the equity from the house sale but getting a mortgage was a nightmare. The house sold in August and I've been renting ever since and I will be for a while longer. However, it's all worth it to be rid of the bastard, I can't even begin to tell you how good that feels!

Thank you Carlina, the equity side sounds positive, not so the mortgage though. I can imagine the feeling of freedom, how life must be so much easier... I wish you all the best.

I would use a decent mortgage advisor for starters. You could also look into the help to buy if there are any new builds in the area. That is where the government put the 20% in if under your scenario houses are expensive and you can't quite afford the bedrooms you need etc.

I'm a single mum, honestly it's actually easier once you get things sorted and the finances working etc.

Good luck xx