Eviction involving children

My partners ex wife is about to be evicted by the local council (in less than 10 days). She is threatening to "dump" the kids on our doorstep. He works away (I only see him at weekends) and I work 0600>1800 five days a week. What can we possibily do for these poor children?

Kimwa wrote:

My partners ex wife is about to be evicted by the local council (in less than 10 days). She is threatening to "dump" the kids on our doorstep. He works away (I only see him at weekends) and I work 0600>1800 five days a week. What can we possibily do for these poor children?

Your partner may have to come to terms with being a pwc. It's tough on you though. How old are his kids?

They are 9 and 4. Girl and a boy respectively.
I only have a two bedroomed flat. Will they even be allowed to live there - it means they will have to share a room

Unfortunately I have to go now, but any advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

Hallo

I don't know all the ins and outs of this - I would have thought that the exwife would be able to get emergency housing for herself and the children.

But if she doesn't want them, then their father is responsible for their care.

There are lots of children of all ages and sexes who have to share rooms. Not ideal, but little in life is.

I guess the boy is in school and the girl in nursery? You can get childcare vouchers for after-school care.

But I'd get your partner to phone social services/housing department to see what's what.

The first question to ask would be why is she facing eviction by the local council?

Anyone that is facing real eviction (ie. they have an eviction notice giving them 28 days or less) can approach the local council housing department. They usually hold drop in clinics several times a week.

Usually the council would be obliged to house a woman with dependents, although this may only be in emergency accomodation ie a bedsit.

This is why I ask why the council is evicting her as maybe this would mean she is not eligable.

Children under 10, whatever sex are able to share a bedroom as far as the council regulations go I believe.

If she does decide to leave the children with you then your partner would be responsible for their care. In the very short term, he should be able to get parental leave from his job until he is able to arrange alternative childcare.

I would suggest that he contacts the council as a matter of urgency and they should be able to offer him some advice re: housing (although maybe not specific to his ex) and also further information re: childcare etc.

Regards Sarah

Hello Kimwa,

Can you tell me why your partners ex is soon to be evicted? Is it rent arrears or anti-social behavior. Is it a council tenancy? Is she the sole tenant? The process within the council from first warning letter to eviction notice takes approx 6-8 months (with numerous attempts by the council to prevent it.) What reason is she giving for being evicted?

It is extremely doubtful that once evicted she will be offered alternative housing. Once evicted, she will be assessed as intentionally homeless so will not be offered re-housing. Perhaps she could find housing to rent from a landlord who accepts Housing Benefit payments.

If not, is she really serious about 'dumping' the kids on you and your partner? Does she have somewhere else to go.

Please please advise your partner to tell his ex to speak to her local housing dept about eviction. There may be something she can do to avoid it.

Good luck.

Subra