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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

Do I tell my family about my husband betrayal

39 replies

StormySunshine · 10/02/2020 20:37

As per advice posting here: I don't know whether to give a long or short version... The short one is that I just found out by accident that my husband (of 25yrs) has been having an affair for a year with a woman overseas (not from his work but he travels there few times a year). I've been struggling with cancer for 7 years now (it returned again a couple of years ago and they've told me that it's terminal but no finite time - for now my meds work). I would leave him regardless but our DS has been struggling with depression for a few years. We finally found the right meds for him and for the last month he's the best he's been for a very long time. I can't show at all how I feel because I'm scared that it will tip our DS over the edge. I feel so helpless and resentful but can't see a way past this...

OP posts:
fuckoffImcounting · 11/02/2020 21:08

You are an amazingly strong woman, putting your DS first in this terrible situation. Your DH is a world class cunt.

Pumpkinpie1 · 12/02/2020 14:38

I hope you & your son are ok. Thinking about you both

RantyAnty · 12/02/2020 15:17

I agree about getting rid of the DickH asap.
Getting everything going to your DS.
So glad you told DH that he is irrelevant. That selfish bastard would make it all about him.

Is your DS in counseling now?

StormySunshine · 13/02/2020 01:21

@RantyAnty DS sees a psychiatrist once every 3 weeks. He also does online counselling. DH has sworn on the kids life that it was only this woman and the other stuff was just "banter" between guys. He called her in front of me and finished with her whilst I was listening, then blocked and deleted supposedly everything to do with her, saying she's always known that his family would come first, ironically! He says that he'll do whatever it takes, taken full ownership of it and even offered to install WebWatcher (spyware app?) on his phone so that I can check it anytime I want. I am so hurt and confused, I don't know what to believe, think it do anymore! And it's so damned hard keeping this from the kids....

OP posts:
itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted · 13/02/2020 01:58

The issue of the affair aside if you were to pass away and EVERYTHING was left to your kids your husband could contest the will on the grounds you haven't made reasonable provision for him as your spouse so you should be clear in any will that you will give him a token amount and leave the rest to the kids

BettBoo · 13/02/2020 02:02

Yes, it’s not your dirty secret it’s his. Your son will be ok. Spend the rest of your one and only life happy. Sending love to you x

poopbear · 13/02/2020 02:56

Ok he finished with her in front of you but they could have agreed that OP. You have a terminal diagnosis and he could be game playing to keep his inheritance. The scenario is that you stay married, pass away, he gets everything and then moves this woman over and into Mum role of your son! Get rid of him. Get divorced ASAP so it’s clear he’s not getting your share. Get the will done expressing what he’s done and that your share is to go to your son. You deserve so much better than this

Flufferbum · 13/02/2020 04:38

What a horrible bastard OP. Sending my love x

MzHz · 13/02/2020 11:54

What a truly heartless bastard he is.

Get support whenever you can, get legal advice and lock everything down. Shut him down and shut him out.

He’s a vile specimen.

ScreamingLadySutch · 13/02/2020 14:37

@Glosstwit

Do I tell my family about my husband betrayal
StormySunshine · 14/02/2020 01:32

TBH the money issue isn't much of a concern. He's been the main earner for many years now but both of us are ok financially. I will amend my will soon, though. The problem us that he is VERY technologically savvy, so I know that if he wanted to, he could still keep in contact with whoever he wants to, and I will be non the wiser... TBF when I was first diagnosed he was our rock and at the time I couldn't have wished for a better partner. I guess it all got too much for him the second time around...

OP posts:
MadamePewter · 14/02/2020 09:02

Sadly, I believe it’s common for men to have affairs at a time of major stress or bereavement. Not that that’s an excuse!
Maybe get your financial situation secure first: see a lawyer ASAP to find out all the best options. And carry those out whether or not you are going to stick with him. Then think about your relationship after that?
And also think about trying to have some actual fun times for yourself- carpe diem, and all!

PicsInRed · 14/02/2020 09:10

The money issue IS a major concern as all of both your and his money will pass to this (or another) other women if/when husband remarries. Without very specific provisions (realistically, a far in advance pre death gift from your husband to your son), you son would inherit zero from your husband.

Zero.

This is a very, very common scenario. You simply cannot bank on your husband doing the right thing because of his love for his son. In assuming so, you would he protecting your own care for your son onto your husband - but look at who and what you're actually dealing with. A man who cheats and traumatises his family whilst his son is gravely mentally ill and his wife dying.

I wouldnt be surprised if your son's illness stabilised with distance from such a man. Indeed, I would expect it.

You need to ensure that your more than 50% of the marital pot (probably 70% on needs basis) goes directly to your son. Due to your son's age and current ill mental health, I would do this in such a way as to stagger the money with essential life costs from 18 to 30 and balance of estate at 30 years old (a trust structure). This structure is more realistic if you are divorced and have full control of your own estate.

Make this your final and most loving gift to your child - the gift of setting him up to be financially secure for the rest of his life. With each annual payment and each time he walks into his own home (with equity from your estate), he'll be reminded of and wrapped up warmly in the love of his Mum.

💐

StormySunshine · 14/02/2020 13:50

@PicsInRed Thank you for the advice, when I'm a bit better I'll definitely follow up. I have property that was directly gifted to me from my parents, so as soon as DS turns 18 (a few months away) I will be gifting it to him in return. I will also change my will, etc. Both my DS and my (much older DSS who also lives with us) we're told last night. My DS was adamant that DB has to move out, not stay in the spare rooms. So that has got my DH to agree to go away for a week, then move out to a friend's house, then... DNK My priority is my DS's well-being!

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