Can I go back?

[EscapeArtist101]

I am married with 2 teenage boys. I am planning to separate from my husband and have found a house to rent. If I move out does that put me in a weaker position legally? Also what are my rights for returning to the family home to collect things I have left there please? Any advice would be great please.

I'd get proper legal advice. There may be excellent reasons why it's better for you personally to move out, but it may mean the financial settlements drag out longer or are less favourable. (Which might be worth it all the same, depends on the situation).

But get proper advice.

Thank you. I think I have to move out as I don't think my husband will and I can't afford the upkeep of the house.

What about the children? Are you taking them with you?

If you move out without the children, even temporarily, this is considered abandonment and you will lose custody of your children.

Please get in touch with your local Women's Aid and ask their advice. Also Rights of Women and Shelter.

You need advice. There are ways to get through this that don't have to be drastic. You need to find out your rights and develop strategies.

Good luck. Just remember he's not more powerful than the law.

Hi, Thank you for those links. My plan is to tell my husband I want a separation and already have a house to move into. My children are teenagers and I'd rather give them a choice with the understanding that they are very loved, they can flit between houses and flexibility is key. I've spoken to a solicitor today and she reassured me that if the children choose to stay with my husband any accusation of abandonment won't stand up in court should things go that way. If the children were younger then it could be an issue.