Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

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

Practical tips on how to leave

10 replies

Nursingdreams83 · 03/08/2024 13:57

My marriage is over it has been for years, I've been asking him to move out for at least two years and he won't. He says he has nowhere to go.

I'm looking for some practical tips on what I need to do in order to leave. We rent our current property, have 3 children under 9 the youngest of whom is 3. I have family near by but there is no way they'd have us and I couldn't do it to them as it would without doubt destroy their marriage as my DF cannot tolerate my children for more than a couple of hours.

My husband has been financially abusive among other things so I have no savings and a lot of debt (about 10k which was mainly him but stupidly in my name)

I've set up my own bank account that my wages go into and just pay a set amount into the joint account. Unfortunately because he is financially irresponsible I probably only have £200 spare a month after I've paid for food and petrol and bills.

I really don't want to have to take the kids to a hostel but the average rent of a 2 or 3 bed house in our village is £1400+ so potentially I'd have to look at moving myself and the kids somewhere cheaper, which would also mean moving their school.

In terms of practicality I work weekends and he works mon-fri so we don't pay for child care. I'm not sure he'd agree to have the kids that often so I've no idea what I'd do about work/child care either, I have a feeling he'd go non contact as he's barely involved with the kids.

I'm guessing the first place to start is trying to make some savings so I can afford a deposit on a place?

Is it expensive to get a divorce? Can I divorce him whilst we are still living together?

I keep thinking I'll just have to put up with it until my youngest can move out then I can move myself into a flat but I can't face another 15 odd years of living like this.

OP posts:
Devon1987 · 03/08/2024 14:02

Can you get a job that is Monday -Friday? Start saving now to get your leaving fund on the go. Stop buying him anything, it’s your money you don’t need to feed him.
I would also put your name down on the list for council housing.

PinkLemonade555 · 03/08/2024 14:07

I would see a solicitor to talk about your options. Do you need his wage to pay the rent? If you had the children full time he would have to move out and pay maintenance.

is the tenancy agreement in both names? Can you change it so it’s just in yours?

the actual divorce part isn’t expensive, it’s the paying lawyers to fight over money that gets expensive. In theory you can apply for the divorce and get a financial consent order that you’ve agreed approved by a judge for very little money. It’s the disagreement that costs, as you have to seek advice which gets expensive.

Nursingdreams83 · 03/08/2024 15:34

I definitely need his wage to cover the rent, bills and food ect.

Neither of us have any money, I have a lot of debt from him but to be honest I'd happily take all of that just to be rid of him

OP posts:
PinkLemonade555 · 03/08/2024 15:39

Nursingdreams83 · 03/08/2024 15:34

I definitely need his wage to cover the rent, bills and food ect.

Neither of us have any money, I have a lot of debt from him but to be honest I'd happily take all of that just to be rid of him

If you’re married it is marital debt. So it can be accounted for as part of the financial settlement.

I know it feels like you are financially trapped but you aren’t. I left my abusive exH having not worked for five years and went straight into studying. I now have a great job and an apartment I love with wonderful housemates. You will find a way.

see a solicitor and they will be able to give you more information about options.

MrsMoastyToasty · 03/08/2024 15:42

See a debt advisor at your local CAB or debt advice charity. If you mention financial abuse then they can take that into consideration when dealing with your creditors.

See a solicitor.

PinkLemonade555 · 03/08/2024 15:45

MrsMoastyToasty · 03/08/2024 15:42

See a debt advisor at your local CAB or debt advice charity. If you mention financial abuse then they can take that into consideration when dealing with your creditors.

See a solicitor.

This is true - creditors will take financial abuse into account. My exH kept our joint account at its 15k overdraft limit. Legally we were jointly and severally liable, however I explained the situation to the bank and they removed me from the account. I had proof of the abuse but they weren’t fussed. No questions asked.

I am so grateful to them as otherwise I would have had to pursue a financial order via the courts but as it was I just walked away. Wasn’t worth fighting over anything.

FloydPink · 03/08/2024 15:55

PinkLemonade555 · 03/08/2024 15:39

If you’re married it is marital debt. So it can be accounted for as part of the financial settlement.

I know it feels like you are financially trapped but you aren’t. I left my abusive exH having not worked for five years and went straight into studying. I now have a great job and an apartment I love with wonderful housemates. You will find a way.

see a solicitor and they will be able to give you more information about options.

Depends on the debt. Normally if one has say 10k of credit card debt and the other 2k they stay with the Individual and not split.

FloydPink · 03/08/2024 15:56

Nursingdreams83 · 03/08/2024 13:57

My marriage is over it has been for years, I've been asking him to move out for at least two years and he won't. He says he has nowhere to go.

I'm looking for some practical tips on what I need to do in order to leave. We rent our current property, have 3 children under 9 the youngest of whom is 3. I have family near by but there is no way they'd have us and I couldn't do it to them as it would without doubt destroy their marriage as my DF cannot tolerate my children for more than a couple of hours.

My husband has been financially abusive among other things so I have no savings and a lot of debt (about 10k which was mainly him but stupidly in my name)

I've set up my own bank account that my wages go into and just pay a set amount into the joint account. Unfortunately because he is financially irresponsible I probably only have £200 spare a month after I've paid for food and petrol and bills.

I really don't want to have to take the kids to a hostel but the average rent of a 2 or 3 bed house in our village is £1400+ so potentially I'd have to look at moving myself and the kids somewhere cheaper, which would also mean moving their school.

In terms of practicality I work weekends and he works mon-fri so we don't pay for child care. I'm not sure he'd agree to have the kids that often so I've no idea what I'd do about work/child care either, I have a feeling he'd go non contact as he's barely involved with the kids.

I'm guessing the first place to start is trying to make some savings so I can afford a deposit on a place?

Is it expensive to get a divorce? Can I divorce him whilst we are still living together?

I keep thinking I'll just have to put up with it until my youngest can move out then I can move myself into a flat but I can't face another 15 odd years of living like this.

If you are joint tenants he has a right to stay there. You cannot kick him out.

PinkLemonade555 · 03/08/2024 15:59

FloydPink · 03/08/2024 15:55

Depends on the debt. Normally if one has say 10k of credit card debt and the other 2k they stay with the Individual and not split.

I’m a Family Lawyer.

the debt can stay in individual names but the financial order can account for it if necessary. For example, one person is awarded more capital to discharge it.

Goldcushions2 · 03/08/2024 16:23

I think you need to speak to Women's aid. Abusive men often incur debt in their victims names to keep them tied and powerless.
Asking for a refuge could be for the best, but you need to check out your options.
Are you on your local housing list?
You need to reach out to all domestic abuse services to see what is available.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page