Hi, I am posting on behalf of a friend. She is trying to leave her relationship (not married) and has 2 children, one who is disabled. Been together 8 years. I have always seen some great advice on Mumsnet so thought I would post on here for her as its quite an unfair affair, I think.
He has previously been violent a few times, and always financially abusive. Police have been involved in the past but charges were not pressed.
A lot of things in the house she has paid for, all furniture, kitchen, flooring etc pretty much everything and as he paid the bills & mortgage, she tended to pay for all the food & child related expenses.
As she is trying to leave, he is making it incredibly difficult for her to do so. His salary is a lot higher than hers, she is also studying full time (so she can gain some financial independence) and working part time at min wage.
He wanted to buy her out of the property, and she was expecting a lump sum which was a decent amount (equating to what she has put in - about 50k). But now, he has come up with some figures about how they will be deducting everything which she bought in the house from the settlement figure and she is free to take all, this includes things like doors, spotlights, furniture, wardrobes etc along with some more deductions for other things etc like some debts - and basically she now apparently owes him £25k and it will be deducted from this figure which was initially discussed.
Friend has tried applying for UC but they have given a lot less because of Student Loan. Student loan is not max amount because of partners earnings and she is still at the address. There is no family she can move in with, and she can’t afford to buy him out.
Would really appreciate if anyone has some kind advice on the best way forwards or any helpful advice.