Preparing for seperation

[Newstart2]

I think my husband and I may need to separate, and I am worried that I will lose the house, any advice as to what you do in preperation for that discussion, do I pay a lawyer to advise me how to protect myself or is there a cheaper option?
As with most Mum's out there my work took second place to the children so I don't really have a bean to my name.
Obviously I will also want my children to stay with me, but to be honest if he fights that one and wins he will hand them back in a week because he has no idea how much hard work it is!

You can get a free half hour from most solicitors so I'd make enquiries locally. The Citizens Advice Bureau give free advice on a range of issues and can help with filling in forms as well as legal, benefits, and housing advice.
Do you own or rent? because there's no or very little help for mortgage payments but there is housing benefit for rentals. If you work you could be entitled to tax credits to top up wages if you're not in employment then you need to claim universal credit.
You seem particularly bothered by hanging on to your house but sometimes, a fresh start needs a new place to live, a new place to make new memories.
As for custody of the children, its increasingly 50:50 where there are no access issues. If he thinks he'll have sole custody then tell him he's a fool.

I would always advise proper legal advice. Mine paid for herself ten times over.

You need to consider all of the assets - savings, pension and equity usually - and think about the best way to divide them up so that the division is equitable.

The legal system will seek to apportion the lion's share to the financially weaker person, and to keep the children in their house wherever possible. This is not certain however because he also has the right to suitable accommodation, it will depend how much money there is to go round.

If you take the house, can you afford the mortgage, bills and upkeep by yourself?

Sorry this is happening.