Separating from partner - what am I entitled too

Leaving aside your contributions to your ex''s house, have you looked into what top up benefits you would be entitled to in order to rent your own place?

www.entitledto.co.uk is a good place to start.

If your teenagers come back to you (I assume they are still at school?) you may be entitled to child tax credits, on top of working tax credits and housing benefit, depending on your income and the hours you work.

For the house, the other posters are correct that it can be difficult and costly to prove a beneficial interest. However the uncertain outcome works both ways, and as under property law costs are paid by the loser, he may well be prepared to make you an offer as he would also not wish to take the matter to court.