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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:
Itsnotdeep · 06/01/2022 14:54

@FrolickingFannyBoots I'm sure this is overwhelming for you. Gingerbread helpline can also give you advice on benefits, finances and the legal situation.

I think take it in small steps - it's too much for one person. Money and benefits first. You don't need to use your £600 to divorce him. That can come later.

And block him completely.

Harrysmummy246 · 06/01/2022 14:56

@FrolickingFannyBoots have a look into tutoring- I do it a couple of evenings a week online via zoom and it's a useful top up plus stopped my brain going to mush when DS was a baby

onemoredayplease · 06/01/2022 14:57

Just a thought... aren't their charities specifically for people who have been teachers? A quick Google brought up quite a list, this was first on the list
www.teachingstafftrust.org.uk/
No shame in asking for help. You've been put here by someone who you should have been able to trust. Might be worth having a little mooch around teacher based charities. X

thingymaboob · 06/01/2022 15:05

Don't file for divorce until you've got legal advice. That's the priority

gogohm · 06/01/2022 15:18

So sorry op. I'm sure others are more knowledgeable but firstly you do not have to be dictated to by him! You need a solicitor, they vary so get a recommendation of someone who has experience of divorce due to adultery and then you can file yourself, it's not up to him. You will need to go to mediation as it's compulsory these days but remember all assets are presumed shared in a long marriage, it's not his house it's a joint asset. You can also demand they check bank statements before he left to ensure he didn't transfer assets.

Post on the divorce board as you need specific advice but for now get professional help

RunningInTheWind · 06/01/2022 15:27

You can’t “just file” in Scotland if you have children and assets.

Suzanne999 · 06/01/2022 15:32

What a bastard. An abusive bastard at that.
You do not have to do anything he says.
Your teenage children are of ages where they can choose whether to see him or not.
You may have consented to sex—- you did NOT consent to being assaulted.
Do not let him into the house.
Do not contact him unless you absolutely have to.
Do not engage in any conversation with him at all.
He will try to rewrite your history so he is Superman and you are the wicked witch ( been there)
Gather as much money together as you can, sell things if necessary.
Stay put in the house with him paying the bills, this will give you time to accumulate money and for you and your kids to recover from the shock.

Repeat to yourself hourly —- he is in the wrong, you are not.

AgathaX · 06/01/2022 15:47

Please phone Women's Aid. I believe some women are entitled to legal aid when leaving an abusive marriage, and they may be able to advise on this. Please also reconsider speaking to the police about his psychological and physical abuse.

PinotPony · 06/01/2022 16:22

You've had some great advice here OP.

One thing I would say... don't use your last £600 to file for divorce online. You need to sort the finances out first.

A good divorce solicitor will explain your options. If money is tight, they will tell you what parts you can do yourself. So, they might deal with the financial negotiations and settlement, but suggest you do the online divorce afterwards to keep costs down.

Neveragain85 · 06/01/2022 16:44

So sorry to read this but on the rape question why not let the police decide whether it was or wasn't? It should be reported, he could do it to someone else

ArabellaScott · 06/01/2022 16:56

@RunningInTheWind

You can’t “just file” in Scotland if you have children and assets.
I thought OP was in London?
FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 17:16

I’m getting legal advice either tomorrow or Monday. What lovely kind people here! I’ve been reading everyone’s posts. Just amazing support and advice! I’ve read if all carefully- so much useful ways throug . I should never have agreed to sex. I think he knew he was going to have sex anyway and then leave. I will see a lawyer, contact the police/ woman’s aid about the assault and my arm which was all purple and black. I am so so grateful for the great advice on here- I will finish reading every post offering support. X

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 17:17

I am in Kent. Used to live in London. It’s a very small town I live in. near Whitstable. It’s pretty but boring.

OP posts:
moremoony · 06/01/2022 17:50

Why don’t you think about relocating? If you’re near whitstable you could go somewhere more interesting? Where would YOU like to live? In an ideal world. See, you now get to choose.

thetinsoldier · 06/01/2022 18:01

I'm so sorry to hear this. Getting legal advice is a great idea.

But you don't have to agree to anything your horrible ex says - you don't have to stay in the house, you don't have to let him stay. You can decide.

Good idea to block him on everything too. What a bastard he is.

Sending you solidarity. You can do this. 💐

pompomsgalore · 06/01/2022 18:20

I know lots of people have said but please apply for benefits today as each day you don't you are losing money.

Babyg1995 · 06/01/2022 18:45

So sorry to hear this op .block him and I think relocating is a great idea you can do this and deserve so much more .

Heelancoo · 06/01/2022 19:30

@FrolickingFannyBoots no advice other than to continue posting on here (you’re very much not alone and we’re all with you), look after yourself and your children. Well done on taking the first steps and getting some legal advice arranged. Take care xx

NettleTea · 06/01/2022 20:27

you may have agreed to sex, but you didnt agree to rough angry, just using you, sex. If you are uneasy about thinking of it as rape, then think of it as sexual assault. Either way Id report it as an aside to the arm. Just to ask advice. I think you may be surprised how supportive the police would be - you may find they appoint you an adviser who can really help you with alot of stuff for support - you dont need to press charges, just have a chat with them to frame the seriousness in your own mind and to get it on file. You may be grateful of it down the line if he turns nastier now you are putting some boundaries in place

moremoony · 06/01/2022 23:22

You can contact a solicitor and say that you’ve been abandoned by your husband and have no finances and need urgent help. They should be able to file an emergency order for spousal support so your husband has to pay money. Tomorrow get your universal credit claim lodged. You are now a single parent and entitled to benefits. Tax credits. Child benefit for any of your kids still in full time education. Child maintenance. File everything now. You will be entitled to more than you think but you must get proper legal advice. There is a legal section on here. Post there and ask what you are entitled to. Start keeping notes on any useful info and a “to do” list. Watch meditation videos on YouTube and deep sleep meditation for sleep and relaxation. There is also free legal advice through Rights For Women and Citizens Advice. You can do this. We’re all here for you

RoyKentsChestHair · 07/01/2022 00:29

I wouldn’t file for divorce online. I did mine online and it was pretty straightforward - exH and I agreed it all between us. You’re going to need someone who will advocate for you and make sure you’re not disadvantaged. Preferably a solicitor who specialises in DV / I’m sure womens aid will be able to point you towards someone good in your area. This is one area where you need to not scrimp. As others have said, you won’t have to pay for it up front - you can take their fees out of the settlement. Or even if you can get a cheap loan (I’m on a low income but my current account bank gave me £20k loan at a low rate) it will more than pay for itself in the long run with a fair distribution of assets for you.

HelenGraham2121 · 07/01/2022 10:54

There is no way you should be trying to divorce that creature online, on your own.

You need a very experienced divorce solicitor.

Some will do first half hour free.

Some may agree payment out of your divorce settlement.

mae2014 · 07/01/2022 12:47

Sending you so much love. You've got this xxxx

StopStartStop · 07/01/2022 12:47

Yes, usually you pay when your settlement comes through

FrolickingFannyBoots · 07/01/2022 13:57

Hi everyone and thank you so much. I am reading through everyone’s posts and taking so much comfort and great advice. I will follow through on all of this.

My main problem is I have no money. I’ve been so stupid as to rely on him for so long financially, it’s just that I had 3 children in as many years and the costs of childcare were too high, plus I’ve no family support. Teaching is very full on so wasn’t able to go back to it with the high levels of commitment and 3 smallies.

He has texted my eldest daughter ( she’s almost 18) to say that he is coming up tomorrow to take them all out, collect his things and stay in a hotel. Does anyone know my legal status here?

I don’t exactly want to stop him seeing them as that is not fair to them but the situation has been so stressful that I think it’s best he stay away a little longer to let things calm. They are very upset and with my elder two in their final exams years of A Level and GCSE, I want school to be as smooth as possible.

Can I stop him taking them just for a short while? If they want to see him then ok but they have all told him they don’t want to us text.

He is ignoring me and telling my daughter what he is doing without reference to me as the residing parent. He is circumnavigating me directly to them.

Do any of you know what I should do here? I want the best for my children but also my own sanity as I don’t want any huge rows. M

I have switched everything over to email now and told him he can’t come up and take them out without notifying me. Obviously they are much older but still, I’m assuming he has to speak to me first and arrange a convenient time for them to meet?

OP posts:
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