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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

Husband wants trial separation

39 replies

peoniesfromheaven · 24/08/2019 11:03

I’m looking for a handhold please I haven’t spoken to any one in real life .
My husband and I had a massive row three weeks ago . I was full of rage and resentment after years of carrying the load, despite working full time, three kids, two with special needs. My husband can be quite shouty and curse around the children when they don’t do what they’re told . I’ve always stepped in. I realise that his relationship is now t my business but I won’t have cursing and shouting either . He says I undermine him. He leaves the house at seven and arrives home at eight , eats, sits down and either falls asleep or goes on his phone. He hardly speaks to me or the kids unless. I ask him questions .
Anyway I absolutely blew some weeks ago and it all came out . I said some terrible things in the heat of the argument . He hasn’t really spoken to me since besides the practical
Discussions re kids, house etc. I told him that o want to try to make it work . He told me he doesn’t , he wants to separate a, at least a trial . The most important thing to me right now is that our children are protected from all of this . We will live together but lead separate lives. I’m not sure the children will notice much dofferemce tbh . He will move out of the bedroom . Please advise or help or something. I’m actually in shock. He won’t do marriage counselling.

OP posts:
Drabarni · 24/08/2019 15:43

Go for 50/50 care too, he is a parent after all.

peoniesfromheaven · 24/08/2019 16:02

We both work full time and earn the same salary. With his work I expect that the children would
Live with me all week bar Wednesday after school overnight and every second weekend. Is this how things work . Does he pay maintenance then?

OP posts:
Drabarni · 24/08/2019 16:04

You want to go for 50/50 as you work ft too. You need to make him step up as a father even if he won't as a husband.

peoniesfromheaven · 24/08/2019 16:07

But he is not here for thirteen hours per day. 5 days per week

OP posts:
Drabarni · 24/08/2019 16:10

If you separate it will be up to him what he does with the dc during his time. He'll have to use childcare or relative or cut down his hours. It's not your problem once you separate.

peoniesfromheaven · 24/08/2019 16:13

Ok thanks. Can it ever be civil . I’m not sure I’m strong enough for a battle . He won’t fight me for the kids as long as he has reasonable access

OP posts:
Mystraightenersarebroken · 24/08/2019 16:31

You (and he) need to understand that it's not about his 'access' but about his responsibilities as a parent.

BraveGoldie · 24/08/2019 16:37

Hi Op,
Yes it can be civil. It takes a lot of hard work, and difficult with so many emotions, but it is possible....

Take your time Op- you don't need to work everything out at once..... give yourself time to feel all your emotions and make careful decisions bit by bit.

I am sorry this is suck a hard time for you. ☹️

peoniesfromheaven · 24/08/2019 16:45

Thanks. I just can’t stop Crying. Is this normal

OP posts:
seawave71 · 24/08/2019 16:45

It can be civil and your suggested access arrangements would be fine if you and he are happy with them.

sanmiguel · 24/08/2019 16:55

Are you planning on one of you moving out?

Cath2907 · 24/08/2019 16:58

I asked my husband to leave last October half way through dinner. It sort of fell out of my mouth. He was “absent” all the time and totally unhelpful. My resentment was huge!
He left for the caravan. I felt in complete shock. Numb for at least 3 days. Then I was in bits. Terribly sad for what should have been. I missed the man I married (even though he’d not been that man for a long time). I also felt dreadfully guilty.

He never really argued and was apparently ok to split.

He stayed in the caravan and agreed to a 50:50 split of assets. We sold the house. He rented a place, I moved into my parents until the divorce was finalised. I divorced him on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour. He agreed up front to this, he’d sign if I’d do the paperwork.

I bought a new place after the divorce. He sees our DD every Wed and Fri evening and every other weekend. I earn far more than he does so I don’t ask for child maintenance. It’s all very amicable.

So yes, the first few weeks/months was SAD and emotional and draining. I flipped between anger and feeling huge regret. DD was also sad and confused. She hated staying in the caravan. My ex was obviously struggling to cope on his own.

Fast forward. I’m settled, DD is happy, ex has a new girlfriend, he and I are divorced, I have met a new guy (it won’t last but the sex is great!), ex and I have coffee after he drops DD back on a Wednesday to discuss parenting issues. We get on fine.

I wish you luck with your split. Being sad is normal and doesn’t mean splitting is the wrong thing to do.

sausage1968 · 24/08/2019 17:26

sending a big hug xx

BraveGoldie · 24/08/2019 17:32

Yes not stopping crying is totally normal, as is the resentment...... you will feel a big mixture of sadness, anger, numbness, rushes of practical drive, and maybe some relief and happy days too. Generally, The more you let yourself feel it, the quicker you will pass through it.

Sending sympathy......

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