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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

New partner, but his situation is a tad tricky and making me stand back!

109 replies

Pippa2017 · 06/06/2023 09:09

Hello,

I am really looking for advice really, to see what you all think on this situation, I think I am being reasonable as putting myself first, but wanting to see what you thought too on his situation also and its not quite fair on myself.

Im in my late forties, met this lovely guy who is the same age, a good few months ago , beginning of the year etc. He has a 11 year old son, and is separated, was married for 24 years and separated 3 years ago. His mum died within those 3 years and he admitted he didnt do anything about the divorce for fear of losing his son and also not in a good place re his mum passing.

The wife still lives in the home, whilst he is renting in a 2 bed flat about 10 mins away and sees his son 2/3 times a week, but nothing has been confirmed on when he sees his son.... its just as and when really. Not quite started the divorce proceedings (this worried me) as wanting to make sure he sorts out the house which he is due money from (hence not sorted) and also to make sure he doesnt lose anything with his son too. His wife earns a lot more money, and thankfully now has a new partner she is hoping to move in with, later this year, coincidentally lives about 20mins near me I have met him and he seems nice, met her, whilst picking up the son one time and hmmm not exactly the nicest or most approachable but it is what it is.

Apparently the house is going on the market this week. Now this could take months to sell, for him to get his money he is due, no solicitor is involved here and not too sure when or what will happen to the little boy, he admitted to being lazy about this as nothing has changed/shifted in 3 years. Thats a long time!! This man however with me is incredibly sweet, does everything for me, loves how he makes me feel, but my head has come out of the romantic/emotional energy here and shifted into a more practical, lets focus on what is going on place.

I feel I have kind of become more distant/harsher and realistic about this and he thinks I am being harsh and keeps saying, It feels to me like you want someone else, I said no, its more your situation is a kind of mess at present as I have nothing lurking here with exes/divorce/house/children and you must be able to see this is not fair on me at present, hence just looking at things a little different now. I have to look after myself.

The house I own, is currently going to be changing in october as mortgage rates are going up, he suggested moving in end of this year when his divorce is finalised/house sold, I said no, not whilst you are going through this and with your son etc..... nothing has been finalised, divorced or anything yet, maybe look at this, when that has been confirmed and we can look at this again, whenever, also when we are more established too as in next year/etc etc....but I cant do anything with him until I get an idea on what his situation is doing. This makes me feel insecure/nervous! I am at present sorting out my house myself with other rates.

I also have a lovely social life with my running, whereas he doesnt have friends he sees regularly, he use to play golf but not anymore, his passions are the gym and paddle boarding which is lovely just not with others etc. He is a very happy go lucky guy, lovely caring personality, but I feel for me he has not taken his situation seriously which he has admitted and I am the complete opposite, he says since meeting me its giving him the kick he has needed but I was hoping he didnt need me to give him this, he should be doing this for himself. I have, what feels like changed him. I understand everything costs money, but would I be losing out and would this create stress for me is what i am always thinking whilst waiting for him to sort himself out.

Also I havent a clue, moving forwards when they do sell the house (only just going on the market) what happens to the son, if he was to move into my house, is the son then moving in 3/4 times a week too whilst living with his ex and her new partner and his 2 kids? So you can understand all of a sudden a few months in, my energy has somewhat shifted and I am no longer in this highly romantic passionate phase or rose coloured glasses!!

He has a good job however, doing well, setting up his own business on the side too and yes if he was to move in with me anytime this year, after his divorce/gets his money etc, he would gain, however its also the child here I am thinking of too and I would need to address this. When you dont have children yourself, all of a sudden life changes and lifestyle changes with someone else to think about etc which is also where my head is at....So I am just taking things very very slowly, any help/suggestions? Thank you for reading....greatly appreciated as its very long too and hopefully you havent fallen asleep.

OP posts:
SheilaFentiman · 06/06/2023 11:06

OP

This is a long road and if you are living together, your finances will need to be declared as part of the settlement discussions. And yes, the child would live with you half the week or whatever is agreed.

It is too soon. Keep dating, let the divorce and financial order go through, sounds like the boy will have living with his mum’s new partner to contend with too. See where you all are a year from now. Then think about moving in together if it feels right.

SheilaFentiman · 06/06/2023 11:07

I wouldn’t be worried by him not starting the proceedings - neither has his DW! the arrangement seems to have been amicable enough and with his mum dying etc there was no pressing need. But now they are both ready - let them work it through whilst you stay on the sidelines.

NoraBattysCurlers · 06/06/2023 11:12

Way too early to be talking about moving in together. To me there are several red flags
1 he thinks it is ok to suggest moving in with you, after such a short relationship, when he is still married and when he has a child to consider. He is not coming across as a great dad. His son should come first instead of what suits him best
2 romance is great but a future together requires compatibility. I think his attitude to life ie drifting along until a woman takes charge will drive you nuts long term

There are nowt so romantic as a man in need of a substitute mother who will provide him with bed and board.

Takemyselfdancing · 06/06/2023 11:19

I agree with many pps before I read what they said. Why are you getting so involved? He hasn’t bothered getting a divorce yet but it sounds like he’s going to get on with it now. Why are you rushing him selling his house? You sound angry with him.

I would back off and see how it goes over the next few months.

Zarataralara · 06/06/2023 11:21

Having him as a boyfriend = fun time out, dates, shared interests.
Having him as a partner = involvement with his son, maybe ex-w too.
Having him move in = maybe your finances becoming involved in his divorce, maybe lad living with you half the week. Maybe him staking a claim in your property.

He doesn’t sound assertive, maybe happy for you to organise his life for him if he lives with you.
you have choices. You can stick at 1 if you want.

Tumbler2121 · 06/06/2023 11:22

Actual divorce neither here nor there unless they are squabbling and in contact about it.

Biggest one for me would be are you prepared to have an 11 year old living with you, if half time it will include holidays .... Babysitters, mess, less privacy ..... all no problem if you love the child, but it may just come between you and your man ....

TheCreamTeaWasFromMe · 06/06/2023 11:23

Crikey, he's very keen isn't he? And notice how he's quick to tell you that you're being harsh and must want someone else, because you aren't in a mad rush to move a bloke in that you've only been dating for 5 months..... Emotional blackmail is not a good sign.

Two things here:

  1. Five months is not nearly enough time to be talking about moving in. Massive red flag that he's so keen when he has everything to gain from it (moving from a rented 2 bed flat).
  2. Do not under any circumstances live with someone who is not divorced with a clean break order in place. There is a recent thread in Legal where the OP moved in with her boyfriend who is mid-divorce, and was faced with having to disclose all of her income, assets, savings and pensions because the court can take these into account as part of the needs assessment.

Personally this bloke sounds very flaky (if he's so lovely and friendly, why doesn't he have friends?). I suspect what's attractive and engaging about him now, might pall and become annoying and frustrating when the novelty wears off. He's already admitted that he's been lazy about getting important things like his divorce and finances sorted out.

My advice to you would be to cool things down. If you want to keep seeing him then date until his divorce goes through and he has a clean break order. Then if you want to look at living together you can think about it. His reaction to this should be telling - if you're met with a load of waaah waaah I wanna move in, you must not love me, why don't you want to be with me type bullshit, then you should run very far and very fast.

LadyLapsang · 06/06/2023 11:25

Enjoy the dates but leave all the rest to him. I’m surprised you have been introduced to the child at this stage, let alone all the talk of moving in together. Let them sell the property, him buy his own place and focus on jointly caring for his son with his wife.

Badbudgeter · 06/06/2023 11:26

I’d agree with Pp way to early to consider him moving in. This stage should be fun, I personally wouldn’t want to be a stepmother. Raising children is hard and being a stepmother is a thankless task.

Fair enough a few years down the road if you are all solid in your relationships and you feel ready but at less than a year in its not something I’d consider.

Jagoda · 06/06/2023 11:27

I’m a bit confused. It sounds like you are saying he is selling the house but still hasn’t instigated divorce proceedings? Usually the former is part of the latter and they don’t happen separately.

Is he ever getting divorced?

Aside from all that, why do you want this man you have known five months, and his son, to move into your house?

Does nobody just date any more?

Riverlee · 06/06/2023 11:30

Another vote for slowing down. It’s convenient for him to want to move with you, but not right for you.

Not divorcing isn’t a red flag as such. However, it’s a bit of a coincidence that he decides to divorce, get the house sorted etc when his new girlfriend has a house he could potentially move onto…. Is he love bombing you? Potential cocklodger?

Your instinct is saying No, so listen to them.

mindutopia · 06/06/2023 11:33

All very rushed and too soon for it to be this intense. My BIL and his partner split (not married and no dc) and it took them 3 years to sell the house and sort out the financials due to mortgage and other issues. It sounds like he’s being sensible and putting his son first. Gosh, i barely considered my now Dh my ‘boyfriend’ at 5 months, we absolutely weren’t talking about buying houses together. Just relax and enjoy the relationship and let the poor guy sort his stuff out.

Twobyfour · 06/06/2023 11:38

OP, have a look at the recent thread in Legal ‘DP’s ex is after my salary’, that’ll put you off moving him in before the divorce and financials are sorted out!

Batalax · 06/06/2023 11:44

Keep it dating only and keep out of his business. It should only get serious when he has sorted his personal life.

Be aware though, that continuing dating him will mean his child will have a significant impact on your life. If you can’t accept being second to his child and revolving your life around said child, for approx 50% of the time, then get out now. I never dated men with children because that’s not how I wanted my life to be.

Hellenabe · 06/06/2023 11:47

Op, i was in a similar situation and unfortunately i let my then partner move in. We were really incompatible but once they are in, thats it. You cant just say it's not working out etc and never see them again. Its a logistical mess to get them out! Also, mine wasnt divorced yet after 2 years apart. He eventually did but only after me giving him a huge ultimatum. I had no children but was happy to be a stepmother to his. I didnt appreciate what a great catch i was to anyone, i didnt need to be saddled with all this complexity at the time. He was not a good catch and like your partner, he benefitted from my energy but he wasnt adding anything to my life. I had low self esteem so still felt i was lucky to have him!

This man sounds like he's nice enough but he hasnt got his shit sorted out. You on the other hand sound like you have a lot going on in your life. In reality, a person who had their shit sorted, wouldnt touch a man like this with a bargepole. He needs to find his way on his own rather than letting your energy boost him up.

To summarise - wait till he is divorced and in a better position, then move forward with your relationship. I so wish i had followed this advice before being dragged down a plughole of doom.

ShandaLear · 06/06/2023 11:55

Blimey, that’s a lot thinking going on for 5 months. At 5 months the only decisions we were making were about which restaurant to go to for dinner and where to go on a mini break. My partner didn’t meet my kids for about a year - when we were rock solid and I was as sure as I could be that he wasn’t going anywhere, but it sounds like you have jumped in with both feet. I don’t think you are compatible and I think you would make each other unhappy.

Stratocumulus · 06/06/2023 12:02

Gosh! I haven't had time to read the entire thread but I think most contributors are suggesting you slow down!

Let’s separate this into separate components.

  • Look after No 1 and carve your own path regarding your mortgage etc. Keep any thoughts of a future with him out of it for now. *Let him get on with what he needs to do to bring his divorce and marital home situation to a close. At this early stage in yr relationship it’s none of your business. Try to keep your practical turn of mind out if it. (I’d be like you but I have learned to curb my practical brain!) *When his divorce & house situation is resolved then and only then can you think about having his child under your roof more often and for what periods. That’s a separate issue. *When he has money in the bank from his house sale, then and only then can you decide what to do next about your living arrangements. IF he moves in with you, take legal advice about that because he could have “rights” if it goes pear shaped. Avoid a “cock lodger” too. Stay strong on that. *For now, stand back, enjoy his company and play a wait and see game. It might reveal a lot about him which colours your next steps.
LittleOwl153 · 06/06/2023 12:07

For now, stand back, enjoy his company and play a wait and see game. It might reveal a lot about him which colours your next steps.

My thoughts exactly. Let him get through the divorce, get access to his child sorted and worked through as to where the child is going to live BEFORE you get involved in any shared arrangements.

There was an enlightening threatld on here a few days ago about a woman who got involved with a man with kids and his ex is trying to include HER salary in the divorce settlement because SHE can cover his costs so he can pay Ex more (and he was supporting existing request for salary info) ... you don't want to go there!

dickheed · 06/06/2023 12:11

Why does he need to move in?

I really don't understand why so many women in a similar position to yours move in men, especially men like that.

You have your own property. You have a job. You have a social life. You have hobbies and interests. You presumably have your own home organized/decorated/cleaned the way you want it.
WTF would you move some man in like this who you've only known five minutes?
There is absolutely no need to do so.
You can date him, enjoy his company, shag, go on holidays etcetc. He does not need to move in.

The man isn't even divorced yet. Still owns the property with the ex. Has a child. He is not in a position to be moving in. Sounds to me like a bit of a hobosexual - needs somewhere to live and bring his son to which is better than a rental flat - so he finds some woman who is financially stable with her own nice property to move into...

He needs to
a) get divorced
b) sell the house
c) make suitable arrangements for seeing his child
d) live in his own place, on his own, creating a stable environment for the child when the child is with him
e) once he has done all of that and a few years have passed, he may then be in a position to start a relationship on an equal basis with a woman and perhaps move in with her.

Tell him he's not moving in. See what happens....

OhBling · 06/06/2023 12:17

If I'm reading this right, the reason you're so worried about his son and the divorce and the house is becuase he wants to move in with you once this house is sold?

Take a step back. Tell him that less than a year after meeting, with DC involved (you don't say if you have DC but that's another consideration), you're not even going to consider moving in together. And in this situation, even more so. Once things with his ex are sorted, and he's got a better sense of his long term financial and parental responsibilities then, if things are still going well, you can start talking about what moving in together would look like.

But to be honest, a man wanting to move in with a woman after less than a year when he has a son is a big red flag to me. It screams that he's looking for someone to be a mother to his son and take on all the adulting.

mycoffeecup · 06/06/2023 12:19

Just take moving in together off the table - tell him it's not appropriate for at least a couple of years after his divorce is final. You'll soon find out if he actually cares about you or just wanted somewhere to live.........

JandalsAlways · 06/06/2023 12:20

Tbh I don't think there was any urgency to move and get divorced until he wanted to be in a serious relationship, but more generally speaking you might be too different in terms of personality

Pippa2017 · 06/06/2023 12:21

This is something I was thinking of myself, and its exactly my take on it too!! thank you.

OP posts:
Pippa2017 · 06/06/2023 12:23

JandalsAlways · 06/06/2023 12:20

Tbh I don't think there was any urgency to move and get divorced until he wanted to be in a serious relationship, but more generally speaking you might be too different in terms of personality

This is true, Im just trying to work this out, in terms of also how we deal with things and the bigger picture. I am much more logical/practical . Im just trying to be realistic about this from where I am sitting. This house is my little treasure and just wanting to secure it for myself and see what happens really.

OP posts:
onlythe · 06/06/2023 12:30

DP’s ex after my salary www.mumsnet.com/Talk/legal_matters/4817855-dps-ex-after-my-salary

Another pp mentioned this thread too. I would have a read.

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