Just looking for some practical advice around separation.
Partner and I have been together over 10 years and have 2 primary school aged DD’s. One DD has significant additional needs (she’s non-verbal autistic).
Partner and I are jointly named on the mortgage. The house has been adapted to suit our dd’s needs so I feel really stressed about the idea of living somewhere different. However, I absolutely cannot afford to buy my partner out.
I have significantly reduced my hours due to caring responsibilities (dd). My take home salary is therefore low.
I can’t decide how to proceed. Things have been difficult between us for a long time now, despite trying to work on things. I’m therefore confident that separation is now the right decision (despite feeling lots of trepidation).
The ultimate solution I think will need to be selling the current house and both buying smaller houses. There’s no other way of me staying in the family home with the children is there? Am I missing something? I’m not very financially savvy. I’m not worried at all about myself - I’d happily live anywhere at the moment to end the relationship as it’s become quite toxic. However, I’m just thinking of how difficult the transition is going to be for my older dd.
If I’m completely honest, I’m also quite stressed about the thought of staying living together until we’ve sold the house. I think getting it into a condition to sell could take a while - and don’t think partner will be rushing anything. But I can’t see an affordable way of living separately before we’ve sold the house.
Any advice very welcome.
We’ve not had the conversation about officially separating yet, but don’t think it’ll come as a shock. However, all the above practicalities are leading to me putting it off.
Help!