Wife has withdrawn all joint money from account

I am 49 and my wife is 42

Two children, 15 and 13

Spend all time with wife at present as I am having to stay with a friend

Cohabited for 10 years and married for 15 years

I have no income, wife earns 60,000 per annum (from what I know)

I am currently staying rent free with a friend who is also supplying me with food.

I was employed and we relied on my income whilst wife set up a business with her brother. Wife then asked me to give up my job to come and help with the business and look after the children. My role as been as a househusband as well as working for the business. This was not salaried as I saw this as contributing towards the family livelihood. marital home is worth around £175K, wife will not release to me how much business is worth (says she doesnt know) but an average of 5,000 per week is paid into joint account. Wife also purchased a bungalow where business is based and paid £135K for this. Money used as a deposit came from some of the equity in our marital home. Various improvements have been made to the bungalow since purchase.

Nil liabilities as far as I am aware

My wife has withdrawn all money from our joint account and has opened another account in her own name, she has taken the motor vehicle which was meant to be mine and will not allow me access to the bungalow. I have managed to persuade her to pay me £100 per week to enable me to contribute something toward my living costs and to seek employment. I wish to seek legal advice but don't know how without access to my share of any money and feel this will be the same if I pursure a divorce.

Why have you moved out hun?

I still care very much about my wife - but I just don't love her anymore. Things haven't been the same between us for the past couple of years. It's as if we have grown apart - especially as the children have got older and less dependent on us both. I became attracted to another woman and wanted to take things further. It was at this point I realised i needed to leave....

so what did you expect?

why didn't you leave your wife and THEN start a relationship with the other women?

Must admit I did the same when my husband left me for another woman. Wiped out the savings and bought myself a car. Well he had spent the day looking for one with me, lovely day it was too - STRANGE HOW IT WAS THE SAME DAY HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD ANOTHER WOMAN. What an actor.


Strange that was quite a long time ago, but it is something I will never forget. Phoning the girlfriend whilst out for the day with me, telling her that he was leaving me that night for her.
Oh well. I wonder when it will be her turn
zara

I am sorry. I obviously haven't explained this very well. On hindsight I was very unhappy, had tried to discuss things with my wife but to no avail. I then met another woman through friends but DID NOT start any relationship with her. I would never have done that to my wife. I did feel attracted to the other woman but DID NOT do anything about it. It was at this point I realised I things had changed in our relationship and I had to move out.

Hi there sb

Am wondering if your friend who is putting you up is your girlfriend .... if this is the case your wife is probably very upset and emotional and doesnt feel like making things easier for you at the mnoment .
I believe if you have no income you would be eligible for legal aid to help with costs .
When it comes to sorting out finances all money in all accounts will need to be declared on form E as do all assets such as cars etc .
I guess your issue is what to live on now , you may be able to apply for maintenance from your wife once you start proceedings although if you are living with your gf Im not so sure .
Some solicitors offer a free half hour appointment where you could get some advice .

shiny