I've left P, so what do I do now?

[PixieFrog]

I(along with DC's) am staying with my parents who live quite far away from my previous address, P doesn't drive so its a bit tricky arranging visits, this also means that children can't stay with P in the week when they are both at school as travelling would take too long.
I was planning on staying with parents for a while and sending them to school here, it's a far nicer area but P won't have it, says just seeing them at weekends isn't enough. I feel very guilty for leaving so I feel I should move back to the area.
I have no idea where to start though, I have recently quit work on his insistance so have no money (I had misgivings at the time but thought it would be okay). I will need benefits,especially housing benefit if I have to get a new home.Do I choose a house to rent and then apply for benefit?Iam on the mortgage at old home too so will I qualify?
Sorry for the boring post! and thanks for any help anyone can give

you'll need to ring the council and ask.....but dont let him bully or intimidate you!

you've done the hard bit

were they actually in a school at the old place?
rent assistance scheme is what you need

one was, just doing mornings then going full time in september. He says she should live with him for the next couple of weeks until term finishes, I didn't want her to but he is her parent too and is good dad. Thats why i need to get a new place sorted, so I don't have to be away from her.
I'm so angry with him but if she will be safe and happy then there's nothing I can do.
Thank you for replying, I have never heard of rent assistance scheme

In very similar situation pixie. Think you need to talk to the council or the citizens advice bureau within the council. It's really hard to figure out what to do, nut I think if you get all the info you might feel better. That's my job for today!

be carefull....if things turn nasty he could gain residence....as you rightly say,he's a parent too,and is equal. he's under no obligation to return her to you.

I am trying to keep things nice but he drives me mad, at least its only 2 weeksish until term ends.I think he's trying to upset me to persuade me to come back.
whatname, good luck today, let me know how it goes for you and how helpful they were!

Need to bump this for more advice.We are about 45 minutes from ex. If the DCs were to go to school here and he wanted them in the week, he feels it's too far to travel to take them to school in the morning and I think he expects me to move near to where we used to live. I don't want to do this as I don't know the area and my family are all where I am now. They provide great support and also the schools and environment in general is better here for children.
Has anyone been in a situation like this and did you manage to come to an amicable agreement that was okay for you both and the children?

Sorry Pixie, not an awful lot if advice, my h wants to live the other side of the world! I think you are going to have to thrash out a compromise or go to some kind of mediation. How much time does he spend with them now?do you think him wanting shared custody is realistic? Family support is a big plus, where is his family? Would you think about going back to work? Where would that be easier?

Citizens advice are very helpful, I am struggling to get in there, but really good over the phone. Spoke to a solicitor today too, that was a bit scary, but reassured that it could be done amicably