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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

Husband has announced he's leaving me

993 replies

stomachcramps · 24/07/2024 03:09

Hey 👋
I've been on Mumsnet since 2010 and I've posted many times previously and notably in times of crisis.
I've always received wise words and a handy hold.
Excuse my jocular tone - I think I'm just in shock.
I posted back in 2012 when my husband cheated on his stag do.
I ignored most of the advice given and stayed with him.
We've had our ups and downs but I'd consider it, up until now, to have been a successful and happy marriage.
He sat me down earlier and just said: I need to talk to you.
There's someone else.
That's it - He's leaving.
Not now, but soon.
Upping and going.
He cried loads. I was emotionless and motionless.
Mumsnet - you're famous for helping women to get their ducks in a row. What do I need to know? Be wary of?
We have an eleven year old who starts high school in September.
(D)H plans to move 300 miles away to be with the fifteen years newer and shinier model of me.

OP posts:
LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 00:18

Just to warn you, its not as easy as some may think to pull him up in court if he's not paying the child maintenance properly. A lot of the time, if he is a low earner, you mightnt see it at all. It happened in my case unfortunately. i applied for the missing maintenance and the judge asked me where I thought he was going to get it on his income. It was court ordered to begin with. So ridiculous. Still makes me fume. Anyway

LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 00:20

He isn't seeing our son at all now, which has made life a lot easier to be honest.

stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:21

Justanotherusername27 · 24/07/2024 23:03

Been following throughout. Just had a thought of when it all falls apart with OW (and it is when not if) chances are he will come crawling back. You’ll say no then he might be after more of your finances in the divorce for a new start. Please move quickly on this x

I will. Thank you x

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:21

researchers3 · 24/07/2024 23:04

If he's buggering off 300 miles away he's not going to be doing any childcare which gives you a stronger position with the house, maybe more like 70/30.

50/50 is a starting point, that's all. If you've got your son then your needs are greater than his.

Will you need to reduce your hours as a sole parent? This will also work in your favour.

No, I'm not a legal expert but sadly I'm going through this so know a little bit.

Hope you're OK.

Sorry to hear you're in the same boat.
Good luck to you.

OP posts:
Louise303 · 25/07/2024 00:23

Tell him why wait he knows where the door is you get one life op get rid of him you will be happier. The two of them will always be suspicious of each other him more so if she is that much younger.

stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:25

justasking111 · 24/07/2024 23:05

How long have you been married.

How much was his deposit on your home and how much was yours?

Together since 2010
Married 2012
Deposit from him = zero
Payments made by him to mortgage = zero and no transfers to my bank either that could be construed as such.
Extension to house = me.
Contribution from him = zero

The car is not so tricky. Two cars - one paid for and one on finance. The car on finance is in my name but is his baby - no problem at all in him paying for it each month rather than lose it.

I'll sort a standing order - would've just preferred not to have it in my name. But it's no biggy.

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:31

AcrossthePond55 · 24/07/2024 23:28

I'm just repeating...see a solicitor, like yesterday. Take a financial 'picture' with you; your respective incomes, household running costs, debts, assets.

As far as the house, buying out can be complex. It's not as simple as 'Here's half the equity, goodbye'. A solicitor will be best placed to tell you how it might work in your situation. So have the mortgage papers and the current balance owed on the house. If you can come up with a reasonably accurate estimate of what the house might sell for, so much the better.

And as for him, just stop talking to him. No "You haven't asked how I am", no nothing. Zero, zilch. There is nothing he can say or do that's really going to lessen your pain, but there is plenty he can say that will make it worse. So best to just be silent. Your silence will truly speak louder than any words you might say.

You're right. I just couldn't help myself because usually if I'm upset then he's the first person I turn to,

OP posts:
Thesecretingredientiscrime · 25/07/2024 00:31

Why on earth would you accept him paying off the car considering what has happened?

stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:33

Inyournewdress · 24/07/2024 23:51

I can’t really add to the advice here but I can tell you are going to be better than ok. You’ve got what it takes, I can tell. Not to diminish from the pain he has caused though.

On the other hand he’s upending his life over some woman he hasn’t even met and who has got a recent ex and two kids he’ll have to deal with. Insane. Even as a complete stranger I can’t help a smirk at how well that’s going to go!

You sound like a fabulous mum, best to you and your ds.

Love this: you've got what it takes.
You know what, I think I have!
Thank you.

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:36

JFDIYOLO · 24/07/2024 23:56

I'd be informing him he's leaving for good tomorrow with all his stuff, to move in with her, whether she's ready or not. Or with his parents.

I'd also be informing everyone we know including his parents what he's done because he's probably twisting the tale already now.

I'd be telling DCs the truth in an age appropriate way.

Solicitor asap and know exactly what your rights are.

Be angry. Be strategic. Get help and professional support as well as moral support from friends and experience from here.

From what you said at the beginning - he was a wrong un from the start.

You will get through this.

Fight. Keep fighting. We're here.

I'll wait until Friday when he goes to his parents for a visit.
He's taking 'my' son with him until Wednesday.
I think I'll get the wee man on Wednesday and tell dick head to stay there.

OP posts:
Endoftheroad12345 · 25/07/2024 00:36

It doesn’t matter that he’s made no contribution to mortgage or deposit, you’re married and he’s entitled to 50% @stomachcramps unless you can agree to settle on other terms. He will need to get independent legal advice in order for you to make a binding settlement agreement re your financial assets. This is separate to divorce.

This is why you need to move quickly to leverage the guilt/ the fact he is cuntstruck/ he hasn’t yet had to face the reality of paying his own bills.

I would go so far as to recommend you continue to foot bills, let gim in the house etc while you nail him in asset division.

I play nice with my abusive ex even though I never want to see him again. Because I’ve lulled him into an every other weekend custody split and he’s a lazy shit. I make it super easy for him to avoid childcare as much as possible. I know when he moves in with new gf he will want to have kids more as he will have a live in babysitter and will want to avoid child support payments but by then the EoW arrangements will have been in place for 2 years, kids will be settled in this routine and old enough to have a say, and Courts support status quo.

You need a strategy - do not assume he will be reasonable in an asset division if he has leeched off you for 14 years.

stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:40

LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 00:04

Its a bit cheeky and maybe even manipulative to be making you food and trying to get you to eat and making out like he cares for you after coming out with that. He's leaving on his terms too and when he wants to... you need to come away from that, if not physically then mentally. Not good for you. It might even have you liking the caring side and being vulnerable to being messed around by him. Stick to the facts in your head and dont be emotionally sucked in if possible. It could be helpful to meet up with someone for support, family, friend etc to help ground you and come back to yourself

I wasn't going to tell my sister until she finishes up for summer, but she knows me so well she bulldozed me.
Now she's on board - my little sister who is an absolute animal when it comes to protecting family - we can all sleep easy.
My sister, combined with my friend, will keep me on track.
They won't let me back track or back down.
I'm also going to tell a couple who we are friendly with (neighbours) - the guy, particularly is DH's friend.
Want to kind of get in first before he starts rewriting history

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:41

JFDIYOLO · 25/07/2024 00:07

Everything you write suggests he's fourteen years old.

And it's such a batshit arrangement that I can imagine it all going wrong very quickly (they've never even MET?) and him come crawling back, all 'poor-me think of the children' nonsense.

Remember everything you've written about him in all your posts, if that happens.

I will. Promise.

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:42

AnxietyLevelMax · 25/07/2024 00:10

Can you all imagine if he is being catfished…every one single person who posted here or is following the thread would laugh so hard OP would hear us regardless of where she is based.
what a complete idiot 😳

I'd laugh then I'd die inside that it had all been for nothing, if that makes sense

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:44

LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 00:20

He isn't seeing our son at all now, which has made life a lot easier to be honest.

So sad that he's done that to his son

OP posts:
stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:47

Thesecretingredientiscrime · 25/07/2024 00:31

Why on earth would you accept him paying off the car considering what has happened?

I already have a car - I don't need two

OP posts:
DyslexicPoster · 25/07/2024 00:48

He is a shit. He has treated you and ds like crap. Keep that centre of your mind. We never really know anyone do we? Not really

stomachcramps · 25/07/2024 00:49

Endoftheroad12345 · 25/07/2024 00:36

It doesn’t matter that he’s made no contribution to mortgage or deposit, you’re married and he’s entitled to 50% @stomachcramps unless you can agree to settle on other terms. He will need to get independent legal advice in order for you to make a binding settlement agreement re your financial assets. This is separate to divorce.

This is why you need to move quickly to leverage the guilt/ the fact he is cuntstruck/ he hasn’t yet had to face the reality of paying his own bills.

I would go so far as to recommend you continue to foot bills, let gim in the house etc while you nail him in asset division.

I play nice with my abusive ex even though I never want to see him again. Because I’ve lulled him into an every other weekend custody split and he’s a lazy shit. I make it super easy for him to avoid childcare as much as possible. I know when he moves in with new gf he will want to have kids more as he will have a live in babysitter and will want to avoid child support payments but by then the EoW arrangements will have been in place for 2 years, kids will be settled in this routine and old enough to have a say, and Courts support status quo.

You need a strategy - do not assume he will be reasonable in an asset division if he has leeched off you for 14 years.

You're so right - need to play the game. And I will. Just need a couple of days to hunker down and lick my wounds.

OP posts:
aurynne · 25/07/2024 00:51

OP, I have little to add to the wave of support and wise advice you have received already. I am just here to add to the support and the awe at the woman you are. I am cheering for you. One day it will not hurt anymore, and you will have many new chances at happiness, for you and your son. You are admirable as a woman and a human being and in time you will see having this useless waste of a man leaving you as the massive gift it really is.

Lots of support for you!

dunBle · 25/07/2024 01:02

I know the thought is satisfying but I really wouldn't. It's likely to be distressing for your son, and the last thing you want is a 300 mile drive after that. Better to do it on home territory once he's back, in a place he feels secure, and you can reassure him that no matter what happens between you and your STBXH, you will do your very best to keep things as normal as possible for him. It also means that if it comes to negotiations over occupation orders, financial orders etc you can keep reiterating that your focus here is doing what is best for your son, not getting one over on STBXH. Humiliating him in front of his parents, no matter how well deserved, is likely to ease the sense of guilt you want to exploit to get the best settlement for you and your son.

LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 01:23

Aw good, I'm glad. Its good you have support around you. That's a good idea, getting your side of the story out there( i.e the truth) before he has his say! You have heaps of people rooting for you here anyway. 620 replies!! Ya, it is sad my ex husband did that to his son. Its like because we weren't together, he gradually lost interest. He started trying to get back together but it wasn't a good idea because he had developed an issue with alcohol. I wanted to co parent but he wasn't as interested because we weren't getting back together. Now it's great though and it's better than living with him!! The mental peace is great

EdithBond · 25/07/2024 01:32

Sending you a virtual hand to hold. You sound fun, capable and strong. And a great mum.

Must be incredibly painful for you as both a partner and a mother (how can a parent move 300 miles away from their child?)

100% agree with others don’t trust him to honour his proposals/behave reasonably about how you’ll handle the split. He’s proved more than once he’s not to be trusted. I speak from personal experience.

Move to communicating by email (where at all possible) or messaging, rather than verbally. That way you’ll have a written record of everything, including his reason for leaving and any guilt-ridden empty promises he makes over the house etc, which may help in a final settlement (though I’m no expert).

IMHO you’re best shot of him. Shagged someone else on his stag do. Contributed nothing to house deposit or mortgage, yet happy to have house in his name. Using a car you bought for him. Leaving you and his child for a woman he’s supposedly never met IRL and only known for weeks. What a disrespectful, freeloading, fickle a-hole/conman. Clearly no integrity.

If the new woman lives near his family, could she be an old flame and the Tik Tok business is a smokescreen?

You’re doing the right thing trying to remain civil and calm towards him (while being secretly hardball in fighting for as much as you can). First, this is best for your child, who needs to see mature behaviour modelled, esp if he’s dealing with trauma. Second, it’s more likely to get you the outcome you want in terms of your home etc.

Finally, are there any other men in your son’s life who could be there in person for him when his dad moves away? My sons really lacked this (no grandpa, uncles etc) and it’s been tough. When they get to secondary school, they grow up fast and (however good your relationship) having men to role model, talk to and take an interest in them as a teenager/young adult really helps.

You’ve got this.

LimeQuoter · 25/07/2024 01:37

Yes. as EdithBond says move to communicating about important issues by email etc. so have a record for court if needed. And keep an eye on the money aspect in case he has started to act on it without telling you yet. Make an appointment with a solicitor. You're doing great! All in good time

KateJ521 · 25/07/2024 02:21

Follow thelegalqueen on Instagram. She is a family lawyer who gives great advice in videos etc

VeryHappyBunny · 25/07/2024 03:05

JFDIYOLO · 25/07/2024 00:07

Everything you write suggests he's fourteen years old.

And it's such a batshit arrangement that I can imagine it all going wrong very quickly (they've never even MET?) and him come crawling back, all 'poor-me think of the children' nonsense.

Remember everything you've written about him in all your posts, if that happens.

He sounds like the character from the film BIG, a teenager in a man's body.