Separation and mortgage.

[Janice83]

Hi, always read this forum but never participate hope I can find some help with this situation.

I'm currently in the process of separating from my partner. We have a two year old and a 2 month old. We have a mortgage together but we are not married. Last year I decided to retrain, and went back to university and took a part time job, now I find the whole process of separating overwhelming.

How we are going to decide who estays and who doesn't? I don't want to sell the house as the mortgage is lower than a private rent but how can I buy his part? My only income at the moment is my maternity pay and my student loan. Can I ask for single mom benefits while he still here or do I need to wait for him to move out? Would those benefits counts towards financing his part of the mortgage?

This is a mess that I never though I find myself in😢

Thanks

Going through the same now. I'm going to have to claim universal credit and doing the form this weekend. Im staying here until place is sold. But then I'm in a predicament as I will have to use house sale money for rent and I hate the idea of that. Seems like a waste. It is tough but I'm sure it will be for the better.

I thought if you had children you were entitled to stay in the home until the youngest was 18?

Only if you can afford it bifwif

OP
I think whilst married couples who are separated but living together can claim but that it is different for cohabitating couples. You should get advice, CAB or elsewhere.

As to the house, you will have to work out your options which may include going back to work FT if you want to keep the house. Could you even afford rent whilst studying?
Maybe look into council accommodation.
Also is you ex willing to be flexible for a few years until you get the little one into nursery/school and complete your studies. Can you negotiate something to mutual benefit for the sake of the children? Be mindful he will want to get a home of his own too and may want to buy sooner or later. He can't do that if he still owns the home with you.
It's worth a try but be realistic about his needs and his aspiration to move on sooner rather than later. Don't kick a problem down the road and if he agrees to deferring the equity split agree the terms in detail. Take account of the fact he will be renting and paying more than if he stayed.

Finally; there is no entitlement to stay in homes until youngest are 18. It is a possible outcome of divorce but increasingly not a probable outcome.

Go and get some advice from a lawyer.
Advice on the internet and MN can be very good but it will never replace a lawyer.
CAB etc,, to see what you are entitled to is also a very good idea.