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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

Money and new partner

449 replies

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 10:49

Hi all,

NC as I have friends who use MN.

To cut a long story short my husband and I separated around a year ago, it was my choice after many months of soul searching and realising there wasn’t a way back for us and whilst he felt shocked at first we’re amicable now and are in the process of divorcing properly, though currently still living together as finding a local property to rent right now is horrendous.
Neither of us have any shared financial obligations (house, car, loans etc) just two small children who we’ve always agreed we will share 50/50 custody, decisions and arrangements for so we don’t expect any formal financial arrangement for maintenance or set days and weeks.

The house is in my husbands name as it was a gift from his grandmother so I will be moving out, and I don’t want any money from it as it was a gift to him and will one day be our children’s inheritance. He has has agreed to give me a small sum of money after remortgaging the house to get started in a new home with, which is very nice of him and will come in handy for fees and deposits.

Now, I met a new partner about 8 months ago, we’re LD at the moment as he’s based in the States, but he is applying to move here for early next year.
He’s absolutely amazing, everything I have wanted in a life partner and he feels the same way. He’s just brilliant, and as he has no obligations tying his to the US has said he will move here happily which has made things decidedly easier.
Financially he earns a good salary, can work remote and has gotten permission to do so from his employer, so he’s just working out the legalities of working when coming to the U.K and the dual tax system. He’s just sold his home over there in preparation to coming here as well as his other belongings and is now just renting until his visa comes through.
Yes, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind romance, but we’re both very sure this is what we want going forwards. Not here looking for a “ITS ONLY BEEN 8 MONTHS!” As yes, I can count. 😂

Last week he told me he wants to open a joint account in the U.S and then eventually I can do the same here in the U.K when he arrives so I can access his money and pool mine, that way we can buy a house here rather than me renting for a year whilst all things settle.
In his eyes renting isn’t worth it when I can handle all of the legalities of paying for it outright here with the money from the sale of his house, and that way I don’t have to worry about having to move out if given notice before he arrives.
He also added that the joint account means he wouldn’t need to worry about transferring money to me in future for buying things such as furniture or paying for household repairs, as transferring money has been an issue previously when we were booking a holiday together and we had to jump through hoops with my bank to ensure the money arrived properly.

Am I going a bit mad to think this is crazy? We love one another, I really don’t care about how much money he has and certainly won’t be going on any spending sprees. We have also both discussed marrying in a year or so once my divorce is finalised so will end up us both sharing assets anyway then.
As long as my children have two happy homes, my ex and I co-parent well and my partner is here with me, that’s all I care about.
I work and can support myself and my children independently (work is something I wouldn’t ever give up and he is very supportive with my development) though I’ll never be able to buy a house, but that side of things isn’t a huge issue to me and I’m happy to rent long-term.

Its a strange one as I know if I told friends they’d think I’d lost my mind but as I don’t have anything to financially lose they’d tell me it’s all ok, but is it? Am I not seeing a potential downside of this? He open with finances, he’s not a huge spender and has a reliable income as well as stocks, shares and investments, so can anyone tell me if I’m feeling this way for no reason please?

TIA!

OP posts:
Hairsterical · 06/10/2023 13:39

I've been married 22 years and don't have a joint account. There is absolutely no need for a joint account. Do not get a joint account!!

UltimateInteriors · 06/10/2023 13:39

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:35

@Stravaig I seen his bank account, that’s the only reason I know anything, as in I’ve been into it and I’ve seen incoming and outgoings - sale of house, payments to estate agents, shopping, rent, petrol etc. Normal day-to-day not drug laundering stuff. No idea why he didn’t think I was a scammer as let’s face it I’m more likely to be one in his eyes, maybe he’s the naive one?

There is nothing terrifying about being alone, but he makes me happy, I make him happy, why would I say no for no reason? In my mind my marriage was over before we separated but it took a long time to tell my husband that for which I feel very guilty, I spent a long time working on myself with a therapist who I still see. They advise to be cautious but enjoy the good feelings and give clear boundaries which must be respected I do and will continue to do.
Im asking questions to those who know implications so I can weigh up what would happen if it happened hypothetically, I’ve had a resounding no and why and that’s good and what I was looking for. I’m grateful to those who’ve actually be respectful and constructive.

Why would anyone (this man) allow you to see bank statements when you have only met a few times?

Was he trying to 'prove' something to you?

Who on earth gets to look at bank statements of someone they have met a handful of times?

Can you explain why you saw them?

Can you also see that you are incredibly silly not to even appreciate that you are due a 50-50 settlement (at least) from your marriage?

PrincessHoneysuckle · 06/10/2023 13:39

I met someone 4 months into splitting up with my ExH.I also left the Marital home without getting half instead I got 10k.
3 months in I got pregnant and gave birth a year to the day we met.
We moved fast yes,it was a massive risk but luckily it worked out.Been together 10.5 years now and married for 7.
BUT money wasn't shared straight away and I saw him all the time.Also NO kids involved on either side.
Be careful.

Graciebobcat · 06/10/2023 13:39

Even if it isn't catfishing, I'd hesitate to pool resources straight away before you know his spending habits and attitude to money, and know what he is like to live with. I'd also recommend a period of regular dating when he is over here before you move in with him.

I lived with DH for two years before we bought a house together and got a joint account and we were together five years before we got married.

UltimateInteriors · 06/10/2023 13:40

Its a strange one as I know if I told friends they’d think I’d lost my mind but as I don’t have anything to financially lose they’d tell me it’s all ok, but is it?

The fact you cannot tell friends shows you know this is wrong.

They'd be right.

As is everyone posting here.

boscabosco · 06/10/2023 13:41

Somethingweirdisgoingon · 06/10/2023 12:02

You say it will be 18 months before he's introduced to the kids, but I really don't think that's long enough or fair?

Someone jump on and correct me, but I feel like for the children it will all still be very raw and new.

New set up, new home, mum and dad not living together, working out living in two homes between two parents and now mums making us have dinner with the new bloke? I think it's a bit gross and selfish.

yess, only a pretty poor excuse for a mother would consider all this ok.

1month · 06/10/2023 13:43

I seen his bank account, that’s the only reason I know anything, as in I’ve been into it and I’ve seen incoming and outgoings - sale of house, payments to estate agents, shopping, rent, petrol etc. Normal day-to-day not drug laundering stuff. No idea why he didn’t think I was a scammer as let’s face it I’m more likely to be one in his eyes, maybe he’s the naive one?

Oh God I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!

I hope you are a troll, else you are one of the dumbest people I’ve ever heard of.

Why would someone who you’ve met a handful of times, who you aren’t in a relationship with, give you access to his bank account and allow you to see all of his incoming and outgoings.

C’mon OP give your head a wobble.

UltimateInteriors · 06/10/2023 13:43

OP- if you take out the money issues, the fact he lives halfway across the world and you have only met him a few times, when you are still with your H, is enough to say this is wrong.

No way should you be subjecting your children to another man you barely know.

Is the sex really so good?

Something's turned your head, for sure.

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:43

@MarryingMrDarcy That was my reply to the original conversation, he was fine with it though asked from a financial and renting rights standpoint for me to look into if it was something I wanted to do as an option.
I’ve just said to him 30 mins ago it’s not a great idea and why, he said it’s understandable and he’ll take it off the table but when he moves here he may buy himself a flat rather than renting depending on legal advice whilst we look at merging homes. Visa wise I’m not sure what he’s looking into, a type 2 only give a few years from what I can gather and is under specific circumstances, it’s a US and U.K. based company so I’m not sure if he’d need to be employed by them here then apply for the visa? It’s something he’s getting guidance on.
He’s now eating a bagel and we’re chatting on FT about my day so far, so I’d say he’s fine with it.

OP posts:
1month · 06/10/2023 13:44

UltimateInteriors · 06/10/2023 13:40

Its a strange one as I know if I told friends they’d think I’d lost my mind but as I don’t have anything to financially lose they’d tell me it’s all ok, but is it?

The fact you cannot tell friends shows you know this is wrong.

They'd be right.

As is everyone posting here.

Yes I agree.

The fact that you can’t tell friends PROVES that you know this isn’t right.

Highandlows · 06/10/2023 13:45

It does not matter if you do not put money into the account. If he is doing this for money laundering you go down with him. Do not be so bloody stubborn and listen to the majority here. I am in disbelief of how relax you are about not getting a house provision for your kids. Why do you think legal courts put an emphasis on provision for the kids? You are walking in very dangerous terrain. Very irresponsible and honestly I wonder if your kids are better off with the father permanently.

ParrotChatter2 · 06/10/2023 13:45

I would suggest

1
Finalise your divorce, including the financial part.
If you are not taking money eg equity out of the marital home, what assets are you taking instead eg pensions, cars, savings, furniture ?

2
Legally organise your childcare arrangements like child maintenance, holiday cover etc

3
Make a clean break

4
Set yourself up as a single, independent person with child or children. Take time for yourself
*TIME

4
DO NOT SET UP A JOINT BANK ACCOUNT with this AMERICAN under any circumstances

5
How can this American plan anything when he doesn't live in UK & hasn't met your children
Sounds very dodgy

Heronwatcher · 06/10/2023 13:45

He’ll have to pay inheritance tax when it sells from what I can gather and didn’t want to take anything else from the children

I’m not sure this is right either- I think if he’s already inherited it (a couple of years ago) he’ll already have had to pay the tax? I don’t know but this sounds odd too.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 06/10/2023 13:46

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:35

@Stravaig I seen his bank account, that’s the only reason I know anything, as in I’ve been into it and I’ve seen incoming and outgoings - sale of house, payments to estate agents, shopping, rent, petrol etc. Normal day-to-day not drug laundering stuff. No idea why he didn’t think I was a scammer as let’s face it I’m more likely to be one in his eyes, maybe he’s the naive one?

There is nothing terrifying about being alone, but he makes me happy, I make him happy, why would I say no for no reason? In my mind my marriage was over before we separated but it took a long time to tell my husband that for which I feel very guilty, I spent a long time working on myself with a therapist who I still see. They advise to be cautious but enjoy the good feelings and give clear boundaries which must be respected I do and will continue to do.
Im asking questions to those who know implications so I can weigh up what would happen if it happened hypothetically, I’ve had a resounding no and why and that’s good and what I was looking for. I’m grateful to those who’ve actually be respectful and constructive.

You are naive OP, do you think people are only allowed one bank account?

At best he is just a wealthy man with poor financial boundaries who likes to travel and can take a punt on moving to be near you, he has enough money that he can move back the US and take up his old life if it doesn't work out. I've been in this position (not hugely wealthy but I was only moving within the UK) and its fine, however I do have a friend who did this with someone in the US who had kids from a previous marriage and tbh I think it was wrong of him to 'take a punt' because they moved in together straight away and ultimately, when the relationship failed, the kids lost out.

PosterBoy · 06/10/2023 13:48

Fabulous

Just don't ever accept or send any money.

When is your holiday together?

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 06/10/2023 13:49

*He is suggesting he opens a US joint account with you. You then open a UK joint account with him. He transfers his US joint account funds to the UK joint account. Then you buy a house outright in the UK using those UK joint account funds. You would deal with all legalities and paperwork of UK house purchase and house would be in your name.

Is that the suggestion? If so, this has money laundering written all over it*

BF then disappears never to be heard from again and OP does 14 years. She will probably get caught at the point where she has to prove where the funds came from.

jolies1 · 06/10/2023 13:50

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:35

@Stravaig I seen his bank account, that’s the only reason I know anything, as in I’ve been into it and I’ve seen incoming and outgoings - sale of house, payments to estate agents, shopping, rent, petrol etc. Normal day-to-day not drug laundering stuff. No idea why he didn’t think I was a scammer as let’s face it I’m more likely to be one in his eyes, maybe he’s the naive one?

There is nothing terrifying about being alone, but he makes me happy, I make him happy, why would I say no for no reason? In my mind my marriage was over before we separated but it took a long time to tell my husband that for which I feel very guilty, I spent a long time working on myself with a therapist who I still see. They advise to be cautious but enjoy the good feelings and give clear boundaries which must be respected I do and will continue to do.
Im asking questions to those who know implications so I can weigh up what would happen if it happened hypothetically, I’ve had a resounding no and why and that’s good and what I was looking for. I’m grateful to those who’ve actually be respectful and constructive.

I find this completely bizarre, I’m getting married, own a home with my partner and I’ve never seen or accessed his bank account?! Even when we applied for the mortgage it was just a glacé at the statements we had to provide for the solicitor

Doteycat · 06/10/2023 13:51

Of course he hasnt asked for money YET, that would show his hand.
Wake up.

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:52

We’ve already been away, it was a lovely trip to Ireland for a few days whilst my children were away with their dad visiting family. Is that ok? Am I horrendous for that too? Just checking.

For whoever asked, as I’m getting bored of scrolling through the abuse now, there was an issue with a transfer so he told me to log onto his account so I could discuss the specifics with my bank so they could locate the money he sent for the holiday we were booking. As it was they were next to useless so it was sent to another of my bank accounts instead.

OP posts:
Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:54

@Doteycat And then I’d say no, shocking as that may be to you.

OP posts:
MarryingMrDarcy · 06/10/2023 13:55

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:43

@MarryingMrDarcy That was my reply to the original conversation, he was fine with it though asked from a financial and renting rights standpoint for me to look into if it was something I wanted to do as an option.
I’ve just said to him 30 mins ago it’s not a great idea and why, he said it’s understandable and he’ll take it off the table but when he moves here he may buy himself a flat rather than renting depending on legal advice whilst we look at merging homes. Visa wise I’m not sure what he’s looking into, a type 2 only give a few years from what I can gather and is under specific circumstances, it’s a US and U.K. based company so I’m not sure if he’d need to be employed by them here then apply for the visa? It’s something he’s getting guidance on.
He’s now eating a bagel and we’re chatting on FT about my day so far, so I’d say he’s fine with it.

I’m glad that was his reaction. If he wants to buy here when he’s moved because he prefers owning vs renting then that’s absolutely his choice and all good luck to him. I would not involve yourself in that process aside from being a listening ear/support - sign nothing!

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 06/10/2023 13:55

I seen his bank account, that’s the only reason I know anything, as in I’ve been into it and I’ve seen incoming and outgoings - sale of house, payments to estate agents, shopping, rent, petrol etc. Normal day-to-day not drug laundering stuff. No idea why he didn’t think I was a scammer as let’s face it I’m more likely to be one in his eyes, maybe he’s the naive one?

Oh God I don’t know whether to laugh or cry!

As if someone who was laundering drug money would be upfront about it and showing the OP the bank account it goes through...

OP, he did that to show you that you can 'trust' him because everything's open and he's not hiding anything - and someone saying this early on that you can trust them sets my alarm bells ringing because it often means the opposite. Sorry to have to say this but you come over as not at all financially savvy and people like you are gifts to scammers.

GoingToBeLessRubbishAtLife · 06/10/2023 13:56

I’ve come out in a nervous sweat just reading this.

OP, please stop. Keep your own home with your children. That’s it. No sharing of anything other than the occasional ice cream.

Mevawall · 06/10/2023 13:56

Well, some of you have been very helpful, some have been shits, I’ll come back one day and update as I hate when people don’t update stuff after Googling a scenario.
Thanks for your input, good and bad, even the bad was entertaining. Have a great weekend all, I’ll try not to end up in a US prison 😂

OP posts:
MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 06/10/2023 13:57

For whoever asked, as I’m getting bored of scrolling through the abuse now

If 'abusive' is pointing out the pitfalls in what you propose to do, then OK.