Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Where should I go?

6 replies

RisingStronger · 04/08/2022 14:12

I've name changed for this but I'm a regular user. It's a bit long but really need help deciding what to do for the best.

Long story, short is that my husband has been having an affair for 4 years with the same woman. I found out after about a year and decided to stay and try to move forward (SAHM, young children etc) with promises it was over etc. Of course it wasn't and they have continued affair since then. A combination of massive gas-lighting, manipulation and EA from him coupled with low self esteem on my part and burying my head in the sand.

In the meantime I've managed to resurrect my career (earn about £60k) although not where I would be if I hadn't left in the first place. At least I have a job though. Husband is a high earner and we have a lovely lifestyle - big house, private school etc. BUT of course none of the important things like love, respect, care etc. It's thrown around a lot these days but he definitely has narcissistic tendencies.

It came to a head a couple of months ago and marriage is now dead. Still living together and not separated but going that way for sure.
Now I need to decide what to do in practical terms.

He says we'll sell FMH, buy 2 places near to where we currently are. We'll have flexible custody. Kids can stay in current prep school and move on (assuming they pass entrance exams) to local grammar school. I work 25
mins away (full time with ability to wfh a couple of days a week). The problem is that we've lived here a couple of years but I don't have very close friends here and my mum is about an hour away. I do have some friends but not super close IYSWIM. Husband says he'll be around to have children 50/50 but experience tells me that will be completely on his terms and he'll run his new life to suit him and I'll be expected to dance to his tune. So in theory it sounds great and the children could keep their current school, friends, activities etc. but I'll be stuck relying on him when he'll no doubt let me down / expect me to facilitate his wonderful new relationship and career Angry

Alternatively I could move 45 mins away, be close to my mum (who would help with children) but DCs would need to move schools and would then need to go to private secondary (rubbish local state schools and no grammars) so I would be relying on ExH to pay fees for much longer. Much more disruption for DCs in the short term but I know my mum would be much more reliable in terms of help than Ex. I'd be further from work just about doable a few days a week. Plus I'd have to start from scratch again myself and try to make friends.

I can't work out which is the better option. Both have pros and cons and tbh I've had such a terrible time in the last few years that I've lost all confidence in my own ability to make good decisions.

BTW house prices are roughly the same in each area and I should be able to afford somewhere quite nice in either place although obviously not what I have now. I will have peace of mind though I suppose.

Thank you

OP posts:
Rowen32 · 04/08/2022 14:46

Random curveball but is your Mam very settled or would she be open to moving? Or maybe staying with you a bit during the week? It would only be till the kids get a bit older..

Richenda · 04/08/2022 14:50

I would stay where you are for now. Keeping school the same counts for a lot. Then if you find it’s not working well, you can always rethink when it comes to secondary school, whether that’s moving nearer to your mum or elsewhere.

Staynow · 04/08/2022 14:54

I think it would be really hard for the kids to cope with having to move schools (assuming they are happy where they are) on top of the divorce. I don't think it would be a good idea to rely heavily on ex (as he's obviously not reliable) or your mum (as that's not really fair on her no matter how much she says it would be fine). I would move to somewhere that allows the kids to still go to their school and sort out professional childcare for when you need it.

RisingStronger · 04/08/2022 15:57

@Staynow my mum genuinely wants to help and would love more time with her grandchildren so definitely wouldn't be taking advantage.

OP posts:
SteveHarringtonsChestHair · 04/08/2022 16:21

I would start off on the basis that you’re doing 50/50 but if he starts to rely on you to bail him out and doesn’t do his fair share etc then he’ll need to compensate for his lack of involvement by paying appropriate maintenance.

Get a decent solicitor and make sure you come out of it with an equal share of assets and future pensions etc based on what you both earn. Sounds like you’ve facilitated his career so make sure you’re not disadvantaged by this.

Canabelievethis · 04/08/2022 22:14

You deserve peace of mind OP. So sorry you have been placed in this awful position. I would stay put for now. A change of schools may be a step too far for your DC whilst their parents are going through divorce.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread