Maintenance and Mortgage

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I am after some advice. I'm in the military, live away from our home and am in the throes of separating from my wife of 13 yrs and our 3 children. My wife does not work, so has no means of income other than Child benefits and possibly Child Tax credits. Obviously, I will not leave them destitute, but if I pay the mortgage and maintenance toward the children what else am I legally bound to provide? Naive question I know, but I am trying to find my way through all the info on the net, and finding it somewhat daunting. We have some collateral in the house, but that's getting smaller as prices drop. Other than the mortgage and a small credit card debt, we have no more debt. I am aware that she will also be entitled to half of my pension whilst we've been married, but will not receive that until I retire, possibly in 17 yrs time. Any/all advice gratefully accepted.

Hi, you are only legally bound immediately child maintenance.
Everything is either agreed by you and your stbx or through court or preferably mediation.
For your 3 kids you pay 25% or your net earnings, this is after nat ins, tax and pension contr also take of 1/7th for every night a week you have them or if its more than 52 nights a year.
Depending on the house etc that is what would have to be sorted. Bear in mind whilst you are serving away you are housed but you would need a place to come home to and have your kids.
She is not entitled to half your pension or anything else unless it is agreed or ordered.
The pension is in the pot but depends on the split, it may be possible for instance if she keeps the house on a mesher order you may keep your pension.
Search for mesher order on google to read about them, see if its any good to you.
My stbx is on benefits and we have 2 young kids she is getting over £900 a month, they get the child tax credits and benefits, it is not affected by the separation.
If you can set up the CM yourself it would be better than going to the CSA, it would remain more amicable.
if you need any more help let us know but as far as outcomes are concerned, you may have to post more details as per threads header.