Has any SAHM decided to divorce/leave their husbands?

[JC2021]

Just wanted to know how you managed?

Mine and my DH relationship is going to pot - it's getting worse and I hate the atmosphere living with him is becoming a majorly negative experience. I went from happy positive and bright person to a dull, negative person / he has rubbed off on me over the years. I've lost much social life/ friends and have become a boring hermit much like him.. he is so defensive and barely enjoys spending time with me and DS.

I am seriously considering leaving him and have done for the past 2 years.

I suppose there's no good time to leave when you're a reliant dependent stay at home mother.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Actually just read more of your updates of what a shit your H is. Probably best to get out asap really.

To be quite frank, I have no idea what I am doing and feel lost.

Someone mentioned a direct access barrister as being better/more cost effective.

I have zero income only a shared joint account. I will call Wikivorce as I have been told they offer free advice. I can't get through on the phone to Rights for Women, I've tried.

We are on civil terms, he is in the spare bedroom. He was angry at first but isn't now.

I don't want to mean or greedy with this. I want what I need to live a standard/comfortable life for my son.

I've been looking into training and I would want to train to stand better chance of good paid employment.

I have no childcare help from anywhere. Just nursery 3 mornings a week for my son. He also is term time as it's part of a school, so does get half term holidays.,

I need to phone around and see what I can find out. My husband is asking me what I want to do practically moving forward.

He is a very clever man so is no doubt covering all bases in his mind.

Honestly, the best thing you can do is email all local solicitors and ask for a free consultation, as pp said.

Then choose the one you feel most comfortable with. They will be familiar with thr SAHM issue. Anyone who isn’t, or who isn’t prepared to offer a free consultation in your circumstances- don’t go with them.

Solicitors are a business and they will want yours. Starting point is equal division of all assets, so you are entitled to a fair share.

I have contacted a few and they require lots of personal information upfront and one even said they can book the free consultation as long as they receive the advance payment requirements?

There should be employment schemes in your area. Try contacting your local council to see what 'Into Work' schemes there are. There advisors are likely to be better trained. They may have specialist ones for parents. If you are out of work you count as economically inactive, which means most schemes will take you on. Some schemes will be able to pay for training or support up to a certain level. A good advisor will be able to give you advice to get into good quality work and point you to appropriate support.