So what steps do I need to take when a relationship breaks down?

[NeedPracticalAdvicePlease]

So it seems that husband and i will stay apart at least for the time being, he has got a room elsewhere.

So where do we start in the practical side of things? Banks, Child tax credits, etc? My mind keeps thinking it's only been a month and maybe we will be back together soon (getting more bitter sadly so probably not)but do I start telling the council yet and apply for single tenancy? Should i leave it for a while until we definitely know 100% we wont get back together?

Easy steps you have found helpful in wading through disentagling years of marriage would be so helpful.

I would get a seperate account and tell tax credits.

What is the financial arrangements you have put in place re bills/maintenance/rent?

Do you work? Do you need to claim benefits?

Personally I would sort it all out so he know you do not need him finacially. This will ensure any reconcilation is because you want to be together emotionally IYKWIM.

Also he need to be contributing financially (ie maintenance) so that he isnt foot loose and fancy free money wise.

hi

i would sort the bills out, i know its a hassle but if you do get back together you can always change them back but at least you would know what is what financially.

i think you need to sort out the practicalities asap, to protect yourself and your dc's.
hi anon we seem to be surfing the same waves this evening

tell the council and get the single adult occupancy immediately - you might get back together, but at the moment you are there on your own.

Ditto tax credits etc.

Other stuff, bills, bank etc - depends on whether you are up to that yet, and whether you you can trust him if there is a problem (I know everyone advises to copy financial info etc, but when we split I trusted ex not to abscond with funds, I knew he wouldn't - despite not knowing he would leave me!).

Citizens Advice Bureau does a good self-help pack on separation.

Thanks for the help. It all seems so much to do, so I think it's a case of listing down steps for me!

1. Tax credits
2. Single tenancy
3. Bank accounts separated
4. Bills into my name
5. Maintenance - anyone know how much is standard per child? Will google that
6. Now i am a single mother i should look into what benefits i can get. I work slightly over 16 a week, would it be best to drop to 15 or do they take the amount you earn into account and not the amount of hours?

I don't really know much about benefits, but I think that over 16 hours is best.
Have a look at directgov.
I think I misread the tenancy thing - I was meaning the single adult reduction for council tax, but now think you are talking about the actual tenancy? I would be immediate about the council tax reduction as it will save you money , presumably the tenancy doesn't isn't quite so immediate.

Ah right yes- i forgot about the reduction. Thanks CS

Have a look at the CSA website and Child maintenace options websites...calculator for maintenance and lots of useful leaflets.

I wouldnt sort the tenancy quite yet to be honest- just the Council tax reduction.

Re benefits it will be CTC and WTC.
Whats your hourly rate...prob not better off on I.S. It only £65 per week...If you are going to work that many hours you will almost certainly be better off on tax credis.

Best to see what you are like financially working and think about any reductions at a later date when things are settled

Thanks for that advice, i will look at those sites too. the directgov one re maintenance was helpful