Divorve questions, please read and advise

[Mary198]

Hi everyone, I'm after a bit of advice from you. My husband and I decided quite recently to separate. We have 2 children together, both in primary school. As we are renting a quite expensive home, we have decided to remain in the house together until beggining of next year when our renting contract expires, and then move in separate houses. In the meantime we will start the divorce process and prepare ourselves mentally for when we are letting the children now about our decision (the plan is to do this after Christmas).
We live in the UK but we are not british citizens, none of us. So my first question is: what is the risk of my husband deciding to take the children back to our home country? We decided together that the children will remain with me, but trying to be prepared.
Also, my income is higher than his, is there a risk in there for me to end up paying him maintenance?
When is the best time to let the school know, so they can support with the children's mental health and also with school pick up etc (planning to instruct them that I will be picking them up from school mostly)?
Anything else I should think of?
Is it a bad idea to stay together until next year?

Thank you x

I will just say that it makes sense to stay in the house together but it won't be easy. The worst part of a divorce is the period where you have decided to split and are still stuck on the same space, trying to lead separate lives in that space. It is a hard adjustment and quite likely that both of you will be stressed and very uncomfortable with each other. So be prepared for that and both be prepared to recognise that and be extra kind to each other and give each other space.
Remember you have children and how you handle this next phase will determine how the co parenting for the next however many years plays out.

Secondly, he cannot take the kids abroad if he cannot find their passports.

I don't know what visas you are on, are either of your visas dependent on being in a relationship with the other one?

Is the country you are both from signed up to the Hague Convention?

@BEAM123 thank you for your reply. You are spot on, it already feels uncomfortable at times, and even if we mutually agreed I can see husband some days struggling to understand the reality. But is still very fresh, so will see how things go.

We are all on European passports with an indefinite leave to remain in terms of visas. And yes the country we are from is signed up to the Hague Convention.

Thanks