maintenance

Hi all
I need some help... my husband of 23 years has left and is having an affair ... never in this time have I had to pay any bills as his wages were 3 times more than mine.... so you can imagine what I''m going through at the moment. ... Ive sorted out rent council tax etc... and I am left with nothing after paying all bills... my daughter gives me what she can each week but I still cannot live on this.... am I entitled to maintenance from him ? ... also how do I go about sorting this out... many thanks in advance for your help

I believe, once you have started divorce proceedings, you can apply for an MPS (maintenance pending suit) which is exactly what the name suggests, i.e. maintenance pending the final financial settlement.

It''s a terrible situation to be in. I struggled financially when my ex left. He originally said that he would still contribute to the household expenses when he left but then changed his mind, leaving me with a £300k mortgage on a low income. I had to sell lots of jewellery and stuff to keep my head above water until the house sold.

Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge will be along to advise soon.

You could be entitled to maintenance but it is not automatic. You have to claim it.

This can be done by ticking the box in the Petition if you are the
petitioner, or filing Form A. It''s always a good idea to file Form A.

Do not forget the possibility of claiming social security benefits as well.

LMM