Splitting up but partner in denial

[mirjon66]

Hi

First time posting so not sure if this is the right forum.

Been with someone for 19 years, have three children, am a sahm looking for a job. I have been saying to him for months I don't want to be with him anymore and want to sell the house and go our separate ways. He ignores me.

I sleep on the settee and have done for nearly two years. I have my own freezer, my own small room downstairs where I keep all my stuff (hoover, sweeper, clothes, paperwork and non perishable food etc.) I only cook for myself and my kids, washing etc and don't do anything for him.

I went to CAB on Friday to ask if I can claim as a single person and was given the number of turn2us.

Has anyone else split from a partner and claimed as a single person while having to live in the same house. I feel trapped as cannot afford £3k to take him to court.

Thanks for any advice.

Who owns the house?

Are you married?

What you can and or can’t do will depend on whether you are married or not.

As a general rule, If married you can be recognised as being separated whilst living in the same property for the purpose of claiming benefits and child support. If you are not married, you cannot be recognised as separated and his income will be relevant to your circumstances whilst you still live together.

Is there joint entitlement to live in the property. Do you jointly own or do you jointly rent? If so that will be what is keeping him there. He knows the relationship is over. It will be about keeping a home (and sorting out finances) that is making him stay. No matter how unhappy that makes him or you.

Have you had any legal advice? Try Rights of Women who provide free legal advise on family law.

Gingerbread can help you regarding benefits etc as a single parent. They can also give you help regarding finding pro bono help. Also take a look at this: www.gingerbread.org.uk/information/legal-help-and-responsibilities/getting-legal-help/

Not married. Joint mortgage. Child tax credits award says to notify if a change in relarionship status.

Spoke to a solicitor at women's aid who said a letter before action can be sent and if no reply or refuses to sell then go to court but its 3K and I don't have that.

Will just ring turn2us this week to find out if I can claim as we are leading separate lives. Will save for legal action and try and find a job ASAP am finding it difficult as not worked for 15 years apart from 6 years self employed selling on Ebay. Are there places that could help with getting back to work?
Thanks for the replies.