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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:
Orwell84 · 08/01/2022 10:35

I have read this complete thread with some genuine sadness as it is a tale of what can only be described as a "toxic relationship".

Given everything which has been stated (and I think there should be some balance here as only one side is available to digest), I genuinely believe OP should be elated that the relationship is over. Indeed I would almost be doing a cartwheel.

Yes, it will be tough, indeed it will almost be like going through the grief cycle when someone passes away; Denial, Anger, depression and eventually acceptance - but who would want such a nasty person in their life?

The advice IMO is very good; get yourself a solicitor, explore what financial advice is out there etc...

Would I let him see the kids - absolutely if they wanted to see him. He is their father, they are young adults rather than children and should be part of the decision making process. Indeed I think it is important to almost encourage that they continue their relationship with him as otherwise they may resent the OP in the fullness of time.

This of course sounds like a shock to the OP, but it is time to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm. It will be alright in the end and if it is not alright it means you are not at the end yet.

OP mentions drinking more than one should now - please stop as it can be a downward spiral and you can get trapped in it (I know from my own experience). It may feel like a release but it will be a burden eventually.

Keep a clear head, use it as an opportunity to focus on something positive "I won't drink, I will use the money I would spend on booze to bolster my bank balance to help fund my divorce or treat my kids".

It will be alright in the end, work with him to sever your relationship with him as it sounds like it was really over many years ago, support your children through this tough time and help them process it all and for you - move on. You will probably find someone else when you are ready, there is a very exciting world out there and this is an opportunity to undertake metamorphosis; from a doomed relationship to something wonderful, it could be as a strong and independent woman who has come out the other side of this or in a relationship which works better.

Good luck OP

Orwell84 · 08/01/2022 10:41

I see one of the other points is around his belongings......

Would I let him have them back - absolutely a d sooner rather than later. They are his items so I suppose legally it can't be stoped,, but more importantly - it is one step along the path to moving forwards and coming out of the other side of this dreadful storm you are currently in.

Will it be painful - yes, but you are stronger than you think.

StellaGibson118 · 08/01/2022 10:49

Can you apply for PIP, or UC with the limited capacity for work related activity element? You would be able to work part-time and get a top up then.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide

It's a tricky one because I can see why you are keen to divorce because you want to get the money for the op, but it won't be a quick and easy process. If there are things to argue about, which he likely will, then it can go on for a long time. If you want to start the proceedings then you just need to bare in mind that it's not a quick fix to your op needs.

You haven't done anything to deserve this, he is just an utter bastard. When I separated from exH we ended up legally homeless and were housed by the council in the end which was a 14 month battle. In that time I felt like you, wondering how on Earth I got like this and couldn't see how things could get better. We didn't have any assets so there was nothing to lose/gain by divorce and I had nothing to my name. I applied for all the benefits I could get, an advance on my first payment for UC and moved on from there. I got a house in the end and am very happy here and with life generally. It's hard to see the light but you just have to keep believing in it. x

StrifeOfBath · 08/01/2022 10:51

OP, HE says no chance of reconciliation? He is a violent, debt incurring cheat.

OK, today you are still feeling the full weight of the distress and devastation, and that is natural.

But don’t give up hope.

You still have:

The prospect of benefits. As a single Mum with serious health issues, if you cannot work f/t there will be a way to top up your income. Do not feel defeated by finance until you have spoken with CAB.

Divorce: speak with a lawyer! Admittedly it is fairly rare but there could be a possibility of a mesher order, where you divorce but you stay in the house until your youngest is 18. I would say divorce now…. But See A Lawyer!

Your kids: they have a GREAT mum who loves them. They already know what has happened, their loyalty is with you.

Him: NO WAY should he be in the house with you for access. He can meet them at his parents, go to MacDonalds, anything, but if you are separated he doesn’t get to force his presence in your space.

Are your kids crying for him and missing him? No. So any invasion of your space is for his benefit, and make no mistake, for him to demonstrate that he controls your territory and lords it over you.

Find your anger, OP, snd here is a can of spinach, like in Popeye, for strength!

ISeeTheLight · 08/01/2022 10:58

So sorry you are going through this. OP imagine it was your daughter. What would you tell her to do?

Also, whilst you're still married he can further incur debt that YOU would also be liable for! Speak with a lawyer ASAP and get the ball rolling on divorce.

StopStartStop · 08/01/2022 13:18

Have a hug, OP.

'Yes' to divorce and 'no' to a trial separation. Get a lawyer who is an absolute shark in these cases. My divorce, delayed by 'separation', took over two years, and I don't think people really recover until the mess is all sorted out.

I'm sorry about your circumstances, I really am. One day things will be better.

I’ve lost everything I ever worked for really. My home and husband, my stable family life. I’m just so devastated and wonder what I’ve done to deserve this

Yes, it will take a while to readjust. You haven't done anything to deserve it. Men are just shits. I know it's 'not all men' but unless and until the one you live with turns, you don't realise how many of them genuinely are! Some of them keep it hidden for a long time.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 18:54

Hi everyone

He has been her today and told me I cannot sell the house and move as it is in his name. I have seen people tell me that he can't stop me but he's saying that because I have 3 years to go, the children will have to stay here with me in a house which is totally unsuitable for me and falling apart.

I want to divorce and sell so I can move area. If I have to stay here until they are 18 and then sell, that's another 5 years. h=He is trying to say I cannot divorce him.

What should I do? He is insisting on co-parenting with him living at his mums or girfriend's and coming here weekends.

Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks x

OP posts:
goody2shooz · 08/01/2022 19:08

The only sensible thing to do is IGNORE him and see a solicitor as soon as possible- as pp have suggested. He does not rule you, his word is not law. He is talking rubbish to upset you and panic you, you need to follow some of the excellent advice given earlier and try your hardest not to engage with him face to face.

ShowMeTheSugar · 08/01/2022 19:25

He's talking (mostly) nonsense. You can't sell the house since it's not in your name, but you can move out. You should move out tbh, and get a clean break. You absolutely can divorce him, and should so that you can split assets now (and again get a clean break).
Keep in mind that he's a fucking dickhead who wants to keep you in your place. He's telling you what suits him, not what's true and not what's best for you or the kids.

billy1966 · 08/01/2022 19:34

He is trying to control you.

You need advice.

Try Women's aid.

They will point you in the right direction.

If you can get a recommendation for a good solicitor, take it.

You need advice.
Flowers

Jconnais1chansonquivavsenerver · 08/01/2022 20:12

He is not God. Nor are divorce solicitors, but they are likely to talk more legal sense than he is, so go with them rather than by what he tells you. Good luck.

Ithinkitstime · 08/01/2022 20:24

Stop talking to that man right now! I know this is hard after such a long time, but engaging in conversations is hurting and confusing you more. Do not trust this man.

Speak to Women's Aid for support. They are ace.
For legal advice look at the Rights of Women website and when you are ready you can call them with legal questions.
You must report the rape. You need outside agencies to know what is and has happened to you.
You will also need some counselling in time and I suspect your children will too. It would be a good idea to inform their schools if you haven't already. Schools have so much in the way of support that they can access for your children.

Contact your GP and tell her everything and how you are suffering. She will also have advice and support she can give and those medical records will be useful in the future.

I think you probably need to do a non-molestation order, but right now you might not be ready as all of this is so confusing and you are in a state of deep shock.

Take care and keep posting

FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 20:30

Thank you everyone for the help xx

I will ring Women’s Aid and talk to them. I did talk to the police today about the sexual assault and his throwing a bottle of water at me. It sounds like nothing but it was a heavy bottle full of liquid and I suffered a large hemotoma that completely covered my arm.

They said I can report both. I will follow the advice here. I’m just totally at a loss and can’t believe he could be so cruel after all these years. I gave up my life for him . Sure, I’ve done things wrong but I do not understand why really except for another woman.

OP posts:
sweetbellyhigh · 08/01/2022 21:10

@FrolickingFannyBoots

Thank you everyone for the help xx

I will ring Women’s Aid and talk to them. I did talk to the police today about the sexual assault and his throwing a bottle of water at me. It sounds like nothing but it was a heavy bottle full of liquid and I suffered a large hemotoma that completely covered my arm.

They said I can report both. I will follow the advice here. I’m just totally at a loss and can’t believe he could be so cruel after all these years. I gave up my life for him . Sure, I’ve done things wrong but I do not understand why really except for another woman.

You gave up your life for him?

I'm sorry but that is melodramatic nonsense.

You married him. You had kids. Now you're separating. Y your own admission the marriage was dreadful.

You will only start to manage better when you stop being such a victim and start to take responsibility for your own feelings and well-being.

Maybe have a read up on Karpman's drama triangle because at the moment you are firmly locked inside one.

doitwithlove · 08/01/2022 21:10

Dear @FrolickingFannyBoots - sorry to read you are going through this. Contact working tax credits & advise them of your new situation as you may qualify for additional funds also contact your local council regards a single person discount in what you pay

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 21:19

He is trying to say I cannot divorce him.

Grin

What planet is this bastard on?

You can divorce him on either adultery or unreasonable behaviour.

Adultery us generally considered v difficult to prove so mostly people are advised to divorce on unreasonable behaviour wity adultery listed as one of the points of unreasonable behaviour (and it doesn't need proven).
But that's up to a divorce solicitor to advise you on.

As for you no being able to sell the house; you can divorce him and the house is a marital asset abd ot will be either awarded to you or sold as part of its financial settlement in the divorce.

This man thinks you're a fool, a soft touch, and apparently that you live in a room isolated from the outside world.

He's either gotten so used tk telling you what to do and defining reality for you,bor us such a narcissist (or both) that he doesn't seem able to consider that you're not a servant/subordinate/serf/object to bw ordered what to do.

Abd of course everything he's ordering is to the benefit or himself (and his younger woman).

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 21:24

Oh and BTW, bells are ringing in my head aboit some kind of issue with divorcing on adultery if you continued to live with the person for months/years after becoming aware of the adultery. I can't remember exactly what it is, bit it may be another reason adultery may not be the most suitable grounds for divorce and unreasonable behaviour the only one (since the others are things like two years separation with both party's agreement, or 5 years separation without agreement, which which won't have).

HelenGraham2121 · 08/01/2022 21:26

*which you won't have

FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 21:29

Thanks Helen,

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

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.

The house is literally a 1969’s albatross which he never did up despite all his promises.

He’s now starting to give me less money.

All he wants is for me to agree to co parent while he lives at his mums during the week and comes up weekends. He can see his girlfriend and spend his money and I know nothing. I can’t see any of his finances as he’s hidden it all away from me and just puts money on our joint Monzo card each week

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 21:35

I seriously do not understand why he wants to co parent in this way and not divorce, unless it’s just control to keep me in servitude.

He says he won’t reconcile so why not divorce? He is not replying to my requests for money now either. So either I divorce or what, stay in this awful home alone for 3-5 years?

I gave no money if friends of access to credit. I have no idea how I’ll cope.,

He said that everyone he knows thinks he’s right to leave me and that I’m a bully because we had arguments. He has not apologised for the horrible, nasty sex. The police took the details from me and said I could complain but don’t think they will do much really.

They even said they would get him a peace order to come into the house and he’s still left loads of his things here

OP posts:
Itsnotdeep · 08/01/2022 21:40

OP you need to block him so he can't message you, and stop seeing him. A solicitor can give you advice - your H is just trying to bully and scare you. You don't need to divorce him to leave the house. Think about what's best for you and the children. It's in HIS interests for you to be stuck in the house for the next 5 years, not yours.

oh and report the bastard to the police.

Itsnotdeep · 08/01/2022 21:41

and apologies if you've done this - but did you find out your entitlement to benefits? Please do so asap. If you are entitled to Universal Credit, there's a 5 week wait, so you need to apply quickly.

deerison · 08/01/2022 21:42

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.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 08/01/2022 21:45

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 just says he no longer wants any relationship with me.

I don’t believe him as no man leaves his wife and kids except for another woman or violent abuse. I think he’s been setting this up for a long time- everything he has said about leaving, his attitude to me.

OP posts:
CornishGem1975 · 08/01/2022 21:56

He's wrong on all counts. You can divorce him, you don't need his permission, no court in the land will say you HAVE to stay in the house.

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