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Divorce/separation

Next steps?

6 replies

glitch · 26/06/2012 18:32

So we have decided to separate.
H has decided that one of our options is for him to move out (likely to happen in Aug) which I think is probably the best solution assuming I can get some help with the mortgage payments.
I'm a SAHM and currently he puts £400 in my account each month for me & DS to live on and he pays for all bills, food, mortgage etc.
He has said he will stop putting that money in from next month. I'm assuming he will pay the bills until he moves out.
So what do I do now? Can I claim any benefits whilst he is still in the house? Should he start paying child support even though he is still in the house?

I'm not totally skint as I work P/T and also claim CA and DLA for my son but I'm getting a little worried about timings of things.

Any advice, hand holding or help would be really welcome at the moment.

OP posts:

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NoTeaForMe · 27/06/2012 11:06

Sorry to hear youre separating.

I would head to your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They can give you practical help, and sometimes will even make the relevant phone calls for you.

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ThePinkPussycat · 27/06/2012 18:22

You should be able to claim Tax Credits if your income is low enough. If you already claim as a couple, ring the Tax Credits and inform them that you are now separated, it doesn't matter that you're under the same roof. If you don't claim, ring them to do so.

I would also second the suggestion of a visit to the CAB who will do a v thorough check of what you are entitled to.

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Akermanis · 27/06/2012 18:33

If you want to claim anything as a single person then you must "tell" them your relationship is over e.g. no cooking for him, cleaning, washing clothes, separate cupboards for food, no joint bank accounts etc, separate beds !! otherwise it could create problems later.

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ThePinkPussycat · 27/06/2012 18:41

Oh just thought, not sure what effect Carers Allowance will have...and you must work more than a certain number of hours, and doesn't income effect CA? Aargh, sorry, used to be an advice worker but am well out of date.

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ThePinkPussycat · 27/06/2012 18:42

*more than a certain no of hours for Tax Credits (I think)

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glitch · 28/06/2012 08:25

Thank you for all the replies. It does sound as though the CAB is the way forwards at the moment.
We are living seperately under the same roof although he is still paying the bills etc.
It is all just so scary, especially when I now am a SAHM rather than having a full time job and career. It just seems like it would be so much simpler if I had an income. I will be brave though and get through this.