Twenty five years ago I met a man. We had a child. We got married we had two more children.
In 1992 we moved into a house. Three years later we split up and he moved out.
So he left the house in 1996. He went on to meet, live with and marry a new partner. They have their own house, double income. He pays his child maintenance.
Now of course all but one of the kids have left. I've never had a career as I've looked after the kids. I am not qualified to do anything. I supported him through getting his degree. I have no degree.
I have raised the kids single handed. He has had minimal contact. His weekends. One week a year to a holiday cottage in wales. The rest of the time and in all it's glory and dreadfulness - I have had them. I've been through their injuries and illnesses and heartbreaks and hopes.
Now I am trying to make a life for myself. I have become self employed to try and do the creative thing I love doing and can do. I am living on a low income and I can't manage to pay for the house. It is too big for the two of us left.
And now he is saying he wants his half of the house.
A house he never put any money into when we moved in. A house he paid the mortgage on for 3 - 4 years. A house I have been running ever since he left and he hasn't put a penny into since the day he walked out.
What planet is he on?
More to the point what planet is his solicitor on?
Of course the house has raised in value over 12 years. Half its value is about 100k.
So I must see a solicitor. I have no claim on his pension or anything. There has never been a financial arrangement.
I feel like I should kit out in a massive chainmail and get a big sword. It's going to be a hell of a fight.
