Where do i begin

Hi been separated from my husband for about 5 months,we have been married 16 years.Living in the family home with my two daughters aged 13 and 19.I work part time and i haven't had any child maintenance or he hasn't contributed anything to the mortgage which is in joint names in the past 5 months he wants to get half the value of the house what can i do.

The first thing to know is only court can make you do anything,

So

You both agree settlement perhaps with the help of a mediator,

Or

You end up in court and a judge will ultimately decide what is to happen,

The second option can cost a small fortune and take an age to sort out,

The first thing to do is make an application to the CSA to get some child maintenance also contact the lender and at the very least let them know whats going on, maybe ask for repayment only or even a payment break until its sorted out.

Thanks i will get in touch with the csa and see what they can do.The mortgage is repayment anyway so i will get in touch with the lender and let them know.I dont think mediator will work as he is convinced he will get half.

I think Dukey means ask about changing a repayment mortgage to interest only.

He does Fiona

I didnt know i could do that would that mean he would have to pay towards the rest of the mortgage?

If you have not already, contact the child tax credits people ... you can get tax credits as a single parent but they will only backdate by 3 months so do it asap. Any maintenance you get will not affect this. You can get help with childcare costs too.

How much equity he will get depends on a range of factors. We would need to know more too advise you ..
length of marriage
respective ages
respective incomes
value of FMH
Outstanding mortgage
Size of FMH
value of other assets - savings etc
Pensions .... CETVs if you have
them
Debts in sole or joint names

If you start divorce proceedings you can apply for maintenance pending suit - if his income is high enough.

You are jointly liable for the mortgage ... however if he is not living in the FMH the fact that you are paying all of it could be seen as you paying rent for his share.

Bear in mind that if it is a joint mortgage you will almost certainly need his agreement to make changes.

Hadenoughnow