Does anyone have experience of splitting from their partner a few months after having a baby? Baby is almost 3 months. We are not getting on at all, both of us have said we're unhappy. I've been very open with him about the things I need from him to make it better but I honestly don't think he is able and/or willing to do them. At this point I'm 80% sure I'm leaving as I don't think anything is going to change.
I have a full time well paid job (46k salary). I'm currently on mat leave (as it stands due to go back to work in December 2021 unless I extend for another month to Jan 2022). Mat leave has reduced my net income by £800 a month so it's quite a chunk less. I have some savings making up this shortfall but partner's overtime is also getting us through it (i would obviously be without this financial benefit once I left him). Baby would need FT nursery when I go back to work as I have no family support. I'd need to move house (we privately rent) as I can't afford our current home on just my salary.
Does anyone have any advice on where to start? Some of my questions are:
- Are there benefits I could look into whilst on mat leave to help while my pay is reduced?
- What help with childcare costs could I claim (if any) when I go back to work FT?
- How can I ensure he pays maintenance? (He has almost adult children from a previous marriage and I know for a fact he's paid less than the required maintenance for a while now so likely to do the same to me).
- What sort of contact arrangements would be reasonable for our baby in her first year? I am currently breastfeeding (she will take a bottle with my milk in but she prefers me and settles better with me).
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm feeling very vulnerable and lost so please ... no harsh comments 