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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

Feeling trapped…..

4 replies

Autumngirl7 · 23/08/2025 11:18

Been with partner for 11 years. Have 1 son aged 9. I have 19 yo from first marriage.
I am deeply unhappy with my situation. Partner is not a good father. He is completely selfish. He only really cares about beer and his father and then work, son had autism and adhd and is extremely needy. Never plays by himself or spends time alone. He is home educated (long story). I had to give up my career to enable to. My son is with me 24/7.
My parter is not concerned about how hard I find life, that I never get any time to myself. He’s just angry that he is supposed to care for him too. He will only spend 1 hour a day with him at a push,
my son is very uncomfortable with him and he can sense his dad is not interested.
I am not attracted to him in any way. He actually repulses me.
I have no money to leave. Only 50, 000 equity that won’t get me and my son’s anything. I can’t go to work as my son is too unwell for school. I don’t know what to do and I am feeling dark thoughts as I don’t know how to carry on. I have no friends and can’t even go and see my mum as my son has such horrendous meltdowns if I leave him. I can’t blame him as his dad makes anyone feel awkward. He has no warmth about him or empathy for others and can’t hold a conversation.
He keeps all his money in his own sole account and would never set up a joint one. He earns well but refuses to tell how much or treat kids etc.
I just need to get away. I have mentioned the subject of us separating but he just says “im going nowhere”!! He is a complete control freak. He is also so bitchy about others esp my family.
I can’t just turn up at the council because apparently I would be making myself intentionally homeless.
I put my kids first all the time and just don’t know what to do. Please anyone any ideas I can’t send my son back to school because of extreme disability and I have no money…He knows I am unhappy and wanting to escape and it gives him joy that I can’t leave.

OP posts:
Endofyear · 23/08/2025 11:41

You need to get some legal advice. It might be possible to get spousal support if you are unable to work due to your son's disability. You would have some equity from the sale of your house and that would enable you to rent privately and possible to apply for Universal Credit? Make an appointment with a solicitor and talk through your options. It might be hard at first but better than staying in the miserable situation you are in now.

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/08/2025 11:48

Not married makes things more complicated. Is the house in joint names? Do you have your own bank account and are you claiming carers allowance, DLA for your son etc? Maybe go and see the CAB and see if they can give you some advice.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 23/08/2025 12:24

Have you had a carer's assessment? Has your son had a needs assessment?
https://www.gov.uk/help-for-disabled-child

You might be entitled to benefits. Scope does benefits advice:
https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits

The Autistic Society has lots of information on their website and a helpline:
https://www.autism.org.uk/

You can get free legal advice at Rights of Women re what you're entitled to.
Gingerbread have a good helpline for any questions on life as a single parent and Shelter can give housing advice.

Help if you have a disabled child

Your rights and the support you can get if you have a disabled child, including childcare, car costs, house adaptations and education

https://www.gov.uk/help-for-disabled-child

Autumngirl7 · 23/08/2025 13:48

Hi thank you all for useful links and information. Will take a look at all. Yes the house is in both names. I have zero money/savings.
I do receive carers

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