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Relationships

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

Left DH, he wants the house....

50 replies

ripeninfruitbowl · 31/08/2017 21:24

DH and I have been married for 18 years and have 3 DC. We are not happy together. He has drunk heavily throughout most of our marriage, but has almost stopped over the past couple of years and has put a great deal into his business, which is beginning to take off. After I had DC3 I stopped working (I was a nurse, but my registration has now expired). He has always resented me for not working and gets very cross about it. DH does not have much of a relationship with our DC. I believe that our DC have been largely untroubled by the difficulties between us, until recently, when DH has got increasingly angry and hostile with me. I find it impossible to speak to him, he verbally 'ties me up in knots' and we never get anywhere. Last week we agreed I would move to my Dad's - 100 miles away - as things were getting worse. DH said he would not leave the house. After having spent a week at my DDad's, I am realising that it is not in my DC's best interests to be here. He has a small house - really only one free bedroom for all of us (although we could 'create' a small amount of space, but it's certainly not ideal). They are starting school next week and I haven't been able to get a school place organised here, plus my DD1 has ASD and can be extremely challenging, which is causing serious problems for my 76 year old dad! I spoke to DH today and said I believe we should return to the family home, at least for the short-term whilst we sort things out, but he is angry and insists that he should be able to stay there. I feel under so much pressure - I really feel sorry for DH and appreciate how difficult it will be for him to move, but I don't know what I can do to help him. He's not answering the phone after we spoke earlier - what should I do?

OP posts:
SuburbanRhonda · 01/09/2017 10:07

I see. So not much point changing locks if you can force your way in, clearly!

cupcake007 · 01/09/2017 10:09

Go back to the house. He can't force you and the children to leave! In fact he has to provide a home for you and them until they leave full time education! If he gets abusive call the police. Every time. God luck x

Anecdoche · 01/09/2017 10:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

notarehearsal · 01/09/2017 10:33

This post has really confused me
Why did you leave yours and the childrens home?
You surely knew they would need to go to school come September?
You surely knew your DF's house wasn't big enough for you all?
Where was this move in any way in the children best interests apart from getting away from their father?
So he says he won't leave the house, tough luck to him.
Move your children back to their home, near their friends and schools and to be around all they know. Don't ask him, tell him, start putting the children first. Then ask him to leave. If he doesnt and he is abusive in any way ( including emotional abuse of you or the children), call the police and ask that he is removed

daisymai08 · 01/09/2017 10:51

You must go home!
Any solicitor will tell you this... he can't change the locks so you'll just need intervention.
Calmly tell him if locks are changed you'll call the police, as long as you are not at any risk physically

Finola1step · 01/09/2017 10:55

Pack up and head home now before he has a chance to get a locksmith in.

RandomMess · 01/09/2017 10:56

I think you need to go back today. If the DC are due back at school soon you need to sort out being back in house etc.

If he is abusive to you or the DC you can apply for an occupation order to get him to move out whilst the financial legalities are sorted out.

ReanimatedSGB · 01/09/2017 11:45

Go back home with DC. But, first, call the local police station, ask for the DV unit and tell them you are separating from your abusive husband and may need assistance as he has threatened to lock you and DC out. Then, if you manage to get back in before he changes the locks, at the first sign of aggression from him, call the police again. They will come and remove him, if necessary (while he has the same right as you to live in the house, this right gets forfeited if he is aggressive to you or the DC and you can get a court order to keep him away. Don't feel guilty if you have to do this.)

Anon171175 · 01/09/2017 12:37

My advice would also be to go home but PLEASE see a solicitor first if you can. Don't assume all advise on here is correct (I'm no expert either). Forewarned is forearmed as they say.
He CAN change the locks just the same as you can but he has to let you have access to the home and you are well within your rights to move back.
Seek proper legal advice and try to get back in that house.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 01/09/2017 16:43

Next time don't announce your moves in advance.

Are you scared to go home now? Scared about maybe having to phone the police and have them tell him what's what?

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 01/09/2017 16:47

You need to stop sharing so much with your DC!

They do not need to know the ins and outs of everything.

whatisgoingon1 · 01/09/2017 16:55

He CAN change the locks just the same as you can but he has to let you have access to the home and you are well within your rights to move back.
This! If you can not gain entry to your own home,you call police and explain you and dcs are locked out of marital property.

ripeninfruitbowl · 01/09/2017 20:13

Thank you for all your replies.

Beachy - my DD is due to start school near home. I have not organised a school place elsewhere.

notarehersal - like your user name, I did not get a 'practise run' at this! I left our home because being there became intolerable and my children were afraid of their father. My DDad had always encouraged us to seek refuge with him if necessary. I did not get the chance to think the situation through thoroughly before we left, it was - as you say - in the children's best interests to get away from their father at that time! I have never challenged DH before and am quite intimidated by him.

RunRabbit - you are spot-on again, yes, I'm scared and dreading any dramas!

Reanimated - I appreciate your advice and intend to take it.

I have sent DH an email reiterating that I'm returning on Sunday.

I don't 'over-share' with my children! I support them as a mother and certainly don't burden them with unnecessary information or problems! I do encourage them to talk, however, and we all have an excellent relationship!

OP posts:
Anon171175 · 03/09/2017 22:09

How did it go OP?

BlackeyedSusan · 03/09/2017 23:21

you can also change the locks. neither of you is allowed to keep the other out without a court order. if he is abusive and threatening then you can call the police.

Robots1Humans0 · 03/09/2017 23:56

He is obligated to put a roof over their heads until they leave compulsory education. Go back and seek legal advice tomorrow after you have gotten them off to their first day xx

Gemini69 · 04/09/2017 00:09

go home OP... if he's abusive Call the Police and have him removed and charged... he does it again... have him removed and charged.. he does it again... have him removed and charged.... then get a court order preventing him within a certain radius of you and the Children... Domestic Abusers won't Win anymore Flowers

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 04/09/2017 08:22

He is obligated to put a roof over their heads until they leave compulsory education.

Not strictly true. He is obliged to share in the responsibility of doing so.

It isn't a given that the OP would keep the house. It could be that it is deemed best for it to be sold.

DamnDeDoubtanceIsSpartacus · 04/09/2017 08:58

You have to seek legal advice, soon a s possible, you have been bullied out of your home.

juneau · 04/09/2017 09:03

Did you return to the family home last night OP? You have every right to do so and tbh it would be much better if you and the DC (that's four people, inc. three who are in local schools), returned to the home and he (one person, an adult), moves out. If it's your home (are you married? is your name on the title deeds?), then he cannot bar you from returning and if he does/has changed the locks you should call the police to facilitate entry. Good luck OP Flowers

juneau · 04/09/2017 09:05

And yes, you need to see a solicitor as soon as possible (pref. as soon as the DC are back at school). Do you have any friends who can recommend a family lawyer? If not, get on Google and look at who has an office in your nearest town and what they specialise in (you want 'matrimonial').

MyfatheristheKing · 04/09/2017 09:06

How did it go Ripen?

Shayelle · 04/09/2017 09:52

Your 'D'H is an absolute piece of shit isnt he?! Hope youre ok love Flowers

CousinKrispy · 04/09/2017 10:01

Good for you for starting to break away. It's very hard to do but take it one step at a time.

Yes to calling the police and speaking to the domestic violence unit, yes to talking to a solicitor.

Also, please consider looking for a local Al-Anon chapter or other support group or a counsellor. Al-Anon is for family members of alcoholics and that (or talking with an individual counsellor) can help you get that sense of normality and confidence that you are (understandably) struggling with after years of being married to the crazymaking crap of life with an alcoholic.

best wishes, you are starting on a tough road but it will be worth it and life will be so much better for you and your children!

AdalindSchade · 04/09/2017 10:05

Take the kids back to their home and rent a flat for yourself?

That seems to be the advice for men who want to check out of a marriage

Fucking stupid advice given the information above that the bloke is an alcoholic who takes little interest in his children Hmm

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