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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 left me and my teenage children on New Year. I have no idea what to do now. (Content warning: concerns sexual abuse and domestic violence)

345 replies

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 05:39

Hello all lovely ladies on mumset, I really really need some help in a crisis situation please. I have no one to turn to at the moment and am totally alone.

The day before New Year, my husband of almost 20 years walked out on us and went to his parent's house. He has been having an emotional and possible sexual affair for some time I believe and I was suspicious for two years. Typical middle aged man, younger woman scenario. I am 50 and she is early 30's. She has been after him for more than a a year now and has moved moved down to London from Glasgow to be near him. He helped her move here and is now involved
much more closely.

He has become cruel, unkind and heartless toward me, speaking with a different voice, sending me authoritative emails about when he is returning to collect his things and stating that he is not going to divorce yet. The house is in his name and he says he will not sell. I simply do not recognise him and my kids are absolutely devastated.

Last month, we were buying gifts for parents and friends together in a antique shop. He bought a Molton Brown Christmas bauble saying it was for his mum. I thought it was odd as he has never been interested in toiletries. Later that week, I found that and the same set of hand creams he had bought me in a bag with pants, new ladies black t shirts and socks by his desk - I knew it was a bag packed to go to this woman. She is Polish and works in IT. They met at a mutual friend's wedding in the Czech Republic in 2019.

Before he left last week, I tried to reason with him to save our marriage. I consented to sex ( it's been many months ) but he then basically rammed my legs open, shoved himself inside me, had an orgasm. He came out, turned over and went to sleep. He hurt me. he has never done that before, but because i initially consented to help keep him at home , I cannot claim rape .The next day he said he had angry sex, that he had used me and taken advantage of me. I wish I had recorded this!

He has now kept on and on texting me with accusations of my emotional abuse abuse in arguments; throwing lots and lots of text messages etc at me from the past. He has recorded all out arguments and sent them to me as evidence. But they actually show even in 2018 that I was asking him about our relationship and how unhappy I was. He never replied to the issues I raised properly. I admit I have behaved badly in arguments and shouted but never threatened him in any way.

Last year, he hit me with a bottle after a row which was thrown across the room and caused me extensive bruising all across on my arm, a large hematoma and significant pain. I did not press charges. He says that I am the abusive partner due to my verbal bullying. I do have photos.

He now states he is leaving me but not my children. He tells me he does not love me, never has and wishes he never married me. He is demanding to return to the house after leaving last week to see my 3 teenage kids aged 14,16 and 17. They do not want to see him.

He says he will come back, see them, collect his things and go back home to his mum and dad for good. He is insisting on a trial separation and will not divorce me until he is ready. That he will keep
me in in our family home ( an area I really don't like or want to stay in) until my youngest is 18. He is dominating every conversation and interaction we have now. He refuses to respond via text most days and calls me instead when convenient for him. He has suggested that the come home at weekends only and stay at his mums during the week. \he says he will not come home again to stay as I am forcing him into a relationship again where he will be abused by me verbally and I'm a bully. He says alternatively I could leave. Yet just last week he was out with me going for a long walk and a take out coffee.

I have nor slept or eaten at all well since he left. In November, 2019 I just started a new job full time in education after a 17 year break as a stay at home mum. About 2 weeks into this, he started telling me I was awful, how wanted to leave and goaded me every day stating he no longer wanted the relationship and that he was leaving. I ran off on the day he told me day last month and went to my local woods to walk, think and had a drink to calm myself down after he stated he was leaving. He said if I did that again he was leaving.

I believe he has been planning this exit for a long time with this woman. He says he is as his parent's house. I have begged him to come home but he says I am controlling and manipulating him.

I do not know what to do. Should I file for divorce? He is saying that he will work at his parents and come up weekends to see the kids and help with the house but has left me. I do not think that this is helpful as he will be with this woman while I am alone. He is very evasive about the relationship and tells me nothing about it. He has been very secretive for months and months. I was so suspicious- I tried every thing to get evidence.

He wants to wait for the no fault divorce but I do not. He has been so so awful to me and rude every day since I started work. I have a large abdominal hernia and separated abdominal muscles. I need
significant surgery plus have diagnosed mental health conditions and am in in NHS therapy. I am quite weak. He is younger, no health problems. l I live in a small town with no support. I cannot drive and he has taken the car. I have nothing now. I am on compassionate leave from my work as I am trying to help support my children and am too distressed to work in school with the stress. he says I should just go to work as get on as normal.

If anyone could provide me with some advice I would be very grateful. I am at a total loss. I can barely write and it's been a few days now. This man has blind sided me, although I was very suspicious,. He has abandoned me and the children taking no responsibility.

He is just blaming and accusing me saying its all my fault. He will not return and says if he comes back he comes to see the kids and then will go back to his parents. I have no family to help or friends, I am alone here. I had no notion that he would leave like this, he has clearly been encouraged and prompted by this woman to leave me and built up to it He says he wants divorce later but no decision has been made. My two elder kids are in their final year of exams- my son Year 11, daughter Yr 13. This is so so stressful for them but they don't see the long term consequences. He says he will never be reconciled to me ever again.

I have £600 in my account and that's it. Should I apply for a divorce? What should I do ? I can't have him here just waling back in and dominating me. He has said that if he stays, he will have sex with her and then come back regularly after 3 days. He then asks me if I am in love with him and talks about our cats. He is expecting me to just carry on as normal while he leaves me with no support or help with my physical problems. The house is in need of real repair and renovation, it's in quite a state and he's just left me with it here in a poor condition,. I cannot run it alone with no notice. I have stated all this to him in texts but he ignores me.

Sorry this is long. I am desperate. I have no money, no car, friends of support, My job is minimum wage due to my physical problem of my hernia stopping me working in my old career as a teacher. My DH has literally upped and gone and turned into this awful awful man who now thinks I'm scum. He is so rude to me now and just exopect me to continue as normal without him. He told me he said in his mind- "just one more row over something small and that's it" Yet he is now making me go over and over all out rows from 4-5 years ago. I gave up my career, my health and life to move to Kent from London to facilitate his life. What should I do? Should I cut contact? I am just devastated by this.

Thank you for any advice. I really appreciate it.

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 21:57

What I meant by giving up my life for him was teaching career for the family. I was head of Dept and a successful teacher.

I has very traumatic births and moved with him to support his career. I didn’t mean to be melodramatic- what I meant was I have made many sacrifices. I cared and looked after him and have supported him throughout the last 20 years. That’s what I meant by my comment.

Yes I’m looking at my entitlements and sorting that out this weekend, thank you.

I’m sorry if I seem upset. I’m just in a very vulnerable position. I’ve got no car either and stuck in an area with only basic facilities.

Yes I do think I will divorce soon but I’ll get some advice on Monday. I have £100 and may use that for 1 hrs advice as my situation is so precarious.

With his debt and control of me, I’m gonna end up with nothing if I’m not careful - just a few grand from the house.

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 21:59

Thank you to everyone. I’m still in shock and can’t really think straight yet.

I will get my head round this once I’m more calm. Im trying to be brave but I’m not always succeeding

I will never forgive him for doing this to us, that’s for sure

OP posts:
SupportHere · 08/01/2022 22:02

@FrolickingFannyBoots - ok time to take a deep breath.
Your husband is talking a load of nonsense.
You can divorce without his permission as we are living in the UK and not in talibanesque society.
As part of the divorce process, you have the right to ask for the house to be sold rather than wait until the youngest is 18.
Just take a deep breath of try some of this:

  • Please apply for benefits and state that you have formally separated from your husband. Hopefully this will give you greater financial freedom.
  • Please also report the abuse to the police. Ask them for advice regarding domestic abuse
  • Do not engage in any more conversations with your husband. He is not on your side and you do not need to waste your time speaking or arguing with him.
  • apply for divorce as a matter of urgency.
SupportHere · 08/01/2022 22:05

@FrolickingFannyBoots
Please just know that we are all on your side here. Things will get better, and many of us have been in the same boat. I have watched my own family member go through this and come out much better on the other side. ❤️

Just think of the saying: ‘This too shall pass.’
One day everything will be better.
There is a new much better life for you out there - there really is I promise you. ❤️

sweetbellyhigh · 08/01/2022 22:47

Whether you forgive him or not will make no difference to him but it will impede your well-being if you remain determinedly bound to him.

Again, your most pressing problem is your inability to take responsibility for your attitude and well-being.

You, and solely you, have the power to change that.

Your ex could be the man on the moon for all the relevance he has to what you do with your life now.

Orwell84 · 08/01/2022 22:55

OP you did not give up your life for him or even your career......

You brought children into the world and nurtured them into the young adults they are today. TBF - he supported you to do this - but it was a journey you went on together.

Many of us would love to be on this position where our partners support us not working to bring up our children.

The relationship sounds toxic, with many arguments.

It didn't work out.

That doesn't mean you wasted your life. It just means that it didn't work out.

Now you need to look forwards. I know it is hard but it sounds like you are on the angry/denial stages.

You need to pick yourself up and dust yourself down. Take action and move forwards.

You mention that he has taken the car - but you state on your original post that you don't drive, so it makes sense that he takes the car..... O get it that you are still in the eye of the storm but it does sound like you need to start making some logical decisions rather than reacting on purely emotion.

  • Apply for benefits
  • Speak with your council about council tax
  • Agree when he can collect his stuff
  • Speak with a solicitor and start a divorce (the relationship is over and wouldn't work if he did come back)
  • Speak with him about the kids - he is their father and best to reach an agreement
  • Seek counselling if you feel you need someone to talk to to help you through processing this
  • Perhaps if you really don't want to be in the house as it is too much for you or in Kent as you don't like it (I think you said you live around there) - move out and leave him with the kids (obviously make an agreement for you to see them)
  • See this as an opportunity
  • Consider adding to your income with private tuition - you could create quite a nice little business for yourself

It hurts, you feel affronted - but it doesn't have to be any more painful than necessary.

Yes, you could be awkward for the sake of being awkward - but in reality no one "wins". Don't get me wrong, I am not saying don't ensure you get a fair settlement and agreement, but what I am saying is don't fight simply for the sake of it as you will find it sooooo stressful too.

Good luck OP

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:10

He says he’s not committed adultery and is not having an affair. But I have evidence; social media posts, gifts bought gifts her. a packed bag, I overheard late night chats when he thought I was asleep.

He's obviously lying, but in terms of grounds for divorce, I'm not sure if any of those would be enough.

You can still divorde him on grounds of unreasonable behaviour though, and cite adultery as one of those grounds without having to prove it.

I rwlly wouldn't discuss if and on what grounds you're going to divorce him with him. You'll only have to.listen to more of this nonsense and you'll be giving him a big heads up that he shouldn't have/want be to your advantage.

There's no point in debating this with him, he's not going accept responsibility and he's not going to tell the truth.

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:11

*won't be to your advantage

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:14

I have £100 and may use that for 1 hrs advice as my situation is so precarious.

Will no solicitor do a first half hour free consultation?

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:15

@deerison

He probably doesn't want to divorce because once the children are 18, you will get awarded less by the courts than when they are minors. I think it is to your benefit to divorce soon.
Yup.
HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:19

Yeah he’s saying that I will have to stay here until the children are all 18 in 3 years.

Nope.

You don't have to stay anywhere.

And when you.dovorce him the house, a marital asset, will be assigned/split.

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:24

He says he won’t divorce as it’s not in the kids best interests and any court will say I have to stay in the house with them.

No court would say you have to stay in the house with them.

It's up to both parents and kids where the kids live (and for how many days) and no court would ever say you have to stay in a certain property, unless you wanted to.

You're entitled to at least half the assets, minus debts, in the dividend settlement. If you don't want to stay in that house, or can't afford to stay in that house etc. you don't have to. You don't have to before the divorce settlement either (though you'll have to get money to pay for somewhere else be agaw all you'll get out of him unti divorce is child maintenance.

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 23:26

He says he won’t divorce as it’s not in the kids best interests

He says he won’t divorce now as it’s not in his best interests.

Fixed that for you.

StopStartStop · 08/01/2022 23:30

Solicitor, solicitor, solicitor.
Divorce, divorce, divorce.
Be hard.
Don't stay in the house, explain to your solicitor you want it sold and your share provided asap.
You don't want 50/50 on the children or he won't have to pay a thing. That's the biggest con I've ever seen, perpetrated on women every day in the UK. How much time did he spend with them when you all lived together? Do they want to be with him? Make this clear to the solicitor. You want majority custody and some financial support. Don't forget his pension (I did).
You don't want or need his love (he blew that) or his friendship (it won't benefit you) or his presence (he can fuck off).
I'm so angry on your behalf! His affair is a red herring. His woman is nothing to you. Focus on getting what you can for yourself and the children.
I don't know if I've said anything useful. There are a lot of good posts on your thread. Keep posting. You aren't alone.

billy1966 · 08/01/2022 23:39

He is not an oracle.

You are getting good advice above but you need formal legal advice.

Do not listen to his bullshit.

Get REAL advice.Flowers

RatOnArt · 09/01/2022 00:00

I read this thread the other day meant to reply….
You must seek legal advice. Plenty of posters have advised you to and whilst it’s understandable that you’re in a panic, you really must put your teacher head on and do this!

Google Citizen’s Advice

You appear to be going round in circles; reading your thread is like being in a washing machine..which is maybe how you feel but you’re not helping yourself or your kids.

To be frank, who cares if DH is shagging pigeons or colouring himself in with felt tips, the lawyers won’t be particularly bothered, just get the ball rolling. You don’t like each other and you don’t have to be married it’s 2022!

This forum attracts a lot of women who are projecting based on their own experiences, lots of drama queens and ever so many armchair lawyers but you simply need a real lawyer who will respond with reason and not passion, to quote Aristotle.

OldFoal · 09/01/2022 00:13

⬆️ this one

faithfulbird20 · 09/01/2022 00:14

Do not listen to what he says. Rape is rape. What a bastard. The smartest thing you did was go back to work and half the house is yours.

He knows you're broken and he loves the attention ur giving him. Don't text him and only respond when necessary. He's done you a favour by leaving he's taken out the trash from your life. Please stay strong and get legal advice.

OldFoal · 09/01/2022 00:15

You don't like each other get divorced

You don't like where you live, move somewhere else.

You don't have enough money, get benefits or a better paying job.

BigBunnyVille · 09/01/2022 00:30

There too much waffle going on here. Just contact a solicitor. If your husband is that awful then surely you are grateful to be potentially rid of him?!?!

Can you not sit down like adults and discuss the next steps? It really is in everyone’s interests to seek an amicable divorce.

JonesJollyJohnnies · 09/01/2022 00:39

This sounds awful all round. I promise you you aren’t the first woman in this position, nor will you be the last. A legal professional will know exactly how to move forward and there are plenty out there to help you. Try not to act rashly as you may regret it. It’s a very tumultuous time for you but you must stay calm, for your kids.

I speak as someone who’s parents argued constantly or so it felt and it left me feeling frightened and unhappy. I wished they’d divorced and met someone else! They were too preoccupied with b their own issues and I will always resent them for that

FrolickingFannyBoots · 09/01/2022 00:53

Thanks everyone for your kind posts. I appreciate all the advice. x

OP posts:
moremoony · 09/01/2022 01:54

Whatever you do, don’t sign anything or agree to anything without speaking to a solicitor. You come across as worn down and a bit of a doormat. Sorry but you used to be a teacher. Head of a dept. You must be smart and fiesty and special to have done that. Teachers are the best of society. Smart and sassy. Come on. Would you have let some male teacher tell you what to do back then? Would you have been in charge? Yes. You must have been good to get to that position. Find that woman again. You KNOW it’s not right that he says you have to stay in the house until the kids are 18. You KNOW he can’t decide not to divorce. You KNOW what’s coming out of his mouth is crap. You are not a stupid woman so please stop acting like it. Get your act together. You don’t need him. You can go back to teaching. This country is crying out for good teachers. Yes you can retrain and no you are not too old. You can get benefits and child maintenance and you are entitled to half of everything. You can live wherever the damn hell you like. You can file for divorce today for his adultery. Serve him. Come on. You know this. Get angry. Get a driving licence. Get your life back. You can do this.

Rubyyyy · 09/01/2022 02:31

Don’t let him wear you down OP he’s a abusive prick, Get legal advice ASAP as it sounds like he already has. You deserve much better than a man like that x

Newestname002 · 09/01/2022 05:01

@moremoony

Whatever you do, don’t sign anything or agree to anything without speaking to a solicitor. You come across as worn down and a bit of a doormat. Sorry but you used to be a teacher. Head of a dept. You must be smart and fiesty and special to have done that. Teachers are the best of society. Smart and sassy. Come on. Would you have let some male teacher tell you what to do back then? Would you have been in charge? Yes. You must have been good to get to that position. Find that woman again. You KNOW it’s not right that he says you have to stay in the house until the kids are 18. You KNOW he can’t decide not to divorce. You KNOW what’s coming out of his mouth is crap. You are not a stupid woman so please stop acting like it. Get your act together. You don’t need him. You can go back to teaching. This country is crying out for good teachers. Yes you can retrain and no you are not too old. You can get benefits and child maintenance and you are entitled to half of everything. You can live wherever the damn hell you like. You can file for divorce today for his adultery. Serve him. Come on. You know this. Get angry. Get a driving licence. Get your life back. You can do this.

Excellent advice here, @FrolickingFannyBoots

I know you are shell shocked by your almost-Ex's vile behaviour but you do need to protect yourself and your children by taking constructive action to finance yourself, including benefits as well as professional legal advice. Now.

As a PP said Citizens Advice is a good place to start. Also check your benefits calculation at www.entitledto.co.uk as soon as you can so you can get some financial help. One immediate thing you can do is contact your Council and apply for single person's discount they get 25% reduction on your council bill. You should be able to apply via their website - and it might be quicker than trying to get hold of someone by phone.

Again I agree with an earlier poster: do not tell your STBXH what your plans or actions are as he will use it to his own advantage and to your detriment. Do your own research and take good advice either here or the agencies you are contacting.

Deep breaths my dear, and good luck. 🌹

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