Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
#1
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4
Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I am hoping for a little advice from anyone who has been or is facing a similar situation as this.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011.
For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility.
Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion, or mind, where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011.
For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility.
Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion, or mind, where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
#2
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I'm really sorry that I can't offer any words of wisdom as its not a situation I have any experience of - just wanted to reply to wish you well in what must be a very difficult situation.
I would certainly suggest you get professional advice on support from your OH for your children.
I would certainly suggest you get professional advice on support from your OH for your children.
#3
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Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 2,237
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
Sorry to hear about what's happened to you and your family. I don't have any knowledge of child support arrangements, but it seems to me as if you have to find out which country is going to give you most support, in terms of payments from your husband, payments from the state, housing and support for when you have your baby. Perhaps you should post on the Returning to the UK board, as well. There are support organisations for women in your situation. Here's a link to a Victorian one: http://www.csmc.org.au/
Hope someone else comes along with more information for you.
Hope someone else comes along with more information for you.
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
Two things:
Family Tax Benefit.
Family Tax Benefit Part A is for all parents with children, subject to income limits.
Family Tax Benefit Part B is an extra payment for single parents and families with only one main income.
You will be entitled to both A & B and this may be a reasonable sum. Check with Centrelink at your earliest opportunity to confirm actual figures.
This calculator could give you an idea though. https://www.centrelink.gov.au/RateEs...mbinedStart.do
Child Support from other Parent
Having seen this in both countries, and being Male, I personally would be heading for the UK, where I feel that it isn't as stringent on the Male.
Family Tax Benefit.
Family Tax Benefit Part A is for all parents with children, subject to income limits.
Family Tax Benefit Part B is an extra payment for single parents and families with only one main income.
You will be entitled to both A & B and this may be a reasonable sum. Check with Centrelink at your earliest opportunity to confirm actual figures.
This calculator could give you an idea though. https://www.centrelink.gov.au/RateEs...mbinedStart.do
Child Support from other Parent
Having seen this in both countries, and being Male, I personally would be heading for the UK, where I feel that it isn't as stringent on the Male.
#5
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
You're also going to want to be sure you can take the children with you if you leave Australia and their father objected. Definitely see a family lawyer to get something in writing from him saying he will allow you to move them back to UK with you should you decide to go. You may not want it today, but in another month or 6 months or whenever you may decide to go back.
#6
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I can't offer practical help either I'm afraid, but I would contact as many places as possible for advice.
In some countries divorce would not be granted until the finances, including maintenance for the children, are settled. If you are going to be left to rely on the state they may expect him to contribute. Is he planning to stay in Australia or go back to the UK?
One question I would ask is, does the fact that you have not been resident in the UK for a year affect your benefit entitlement? Can the UK High Commission offer advice?
In some countries divorce would not be granted until the finances, including maintenance for the children, are settled. If you are going to be left to rely on the state they may expect him to contribute. Is he planning to stay in Australia or go back to the UK?
One question I would ask is, does the fact that you have not been resident in the UK for a year affect your benefit entitlement? Can the UK High Commission offer advice?
#7
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
Why are you moving out ??
Let him move out & find somewhere to live ......... you have the kids security to worry over and it's easier to find a house share for a single person than one with kiddies
Let him move out & find somewhere to live ......... you have the kids security to worry over and it's easier to find a house share for a single person than one with kiddies
#8
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I am hoping for a little advice from anyone who has been or is facing a similar situation as this.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011. For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility. Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion or mind where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011. For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility. Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion or mind where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
#9
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I would be looking to where your best support network is going to be and if there is any inkling that you may want to go back to UK I would be getting your husband's agreement right now that you and the kids can go back - it might be in your interest to go now even if at some stage down the track you decide to return to Aus - once you are here and he has had his moment in court you may not be able to leave so it may be a moot point. Also consider where your best opportunities for employment lie - you will be the main breadwinner from now on so which country is going to provide you with the opportunity to further your career
If you have a better support network here then stay - check out the womens' services (I dont know where you are but I am sure we could find a good referral for for you), and rather than talk to the general desk person at Centrelink, try and talk to a social worker for broader and more sensitive advice. Church organizations are also helpful for people in your situation St Vinnies, Salvos, Anglicare all tend to dabble in homelessness and other supports).
You will also have been spun the line about homelessness and waiting lists - if you were to turn up houseless with kids you wont have to wait that long - there is the capacity in almost every state for emergency accommodation but at the moment to the case workers it looks as if you have a roof over your head and, somewhat unfortunately, you have assets which are not really liquid, in your UK house. The support services like St Vs etc can usually help you negotiate the minefield of homeless bureaucracy and offer outreach to help you make sure that you are getting what you need to be getting. I would imagine that if you were to return to UK there would be similar support services and you may find that you do have some friends who would rally round.
{{{hugs}}} sounds like a nightmare for you.
PS get yourself a bloody good lawyer!!!!!!
If you have a better support network here then stay - check out the womens' services (I dont know where you are but I am sure we could find a good referral for for you), and rather than talk to the general desk person at Centrelink, try and talk to a social worker for broader and more sensitive advice. Church organizations are also helpful for people in your situation St Vinnies, Salvos, Anglicare all tend to dabble in homelessness and other supports).
You will also have been spun the line about homelessness and waiting lists - if you were to turn up houseless with kids you wont have to wait that long - there is the capacity in almost every state for emergency accommodation but at the moment to the case workers it looks as if you have a roof over your head and, somewhat unfortunately, you have assets which are not really liquid, in your UK house. The support services like St Vs etc can usually help you negotiate the minefield of homeless bureaucracy and offer outreach to help you make sure that you are getting what you need to be getting. I would imagine that if you were to return to UK there would be similar support services and you may find that you do have some friends who would rally round.
{{{hugs}}} sounds like a nightmare for you.
PS get yourself a bloody good lawyer!!!!!!
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I just wanted to wish you well too.
As you are in OZ you need to go to the child support website, your partner will certainly have to pay substantial child support if he is working, however I have no idea if that is enforced if you go back to UK.
Also pregnant with 2 other kids, and he wants you to move out maybe it would be easier for him to move out.
Where do you have emotional support?? and again I too would stress if hes now at the happy for you to return to UK stage and that is better for you and the kids, get the permission NOW. Too many women come out here with kids, divorce then find the kids will be staying in OZ if the father wants to continue living here
If you have kids in OZ you cant divorce without all the child custody/support issues being sorted formally.
Look after yourself, the bub and the kids
As you are in OZ you need to go to the child support website, your partner will certainly have to pay substantial child support if he is working, however I have no idea if that is enforced if you go back to UK.
Also pregnant with 2 other kids, and he wants you to move out maybe it would be easier for him to move out.
Where do you have emotional support?? and again I too would stress if hes now at the happy for you to return to UK stage and that is better for you and the kids, get the permission NOW. Too many women come out here with kids, divorce then find the kids will be staying in OZ if the father wants to continue living here
If you have kids in OZ you cant divorce without all the child custody/support issues being sorted formally.
Look after yourself, the bub and the kids
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Woodvale, WA
Posts: 1,674
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
As the others have said it should be your husband moving out and not you with your children. May be you need to get some professional advice though.
This site might help you
https://www.turn2us.entitledto.co.uk...alculator.aspx
Fill it in and it will tell you roughly what benefits you could be entitled to if you return to the UK.
This site might help you
https://www.turn2us.entitledto.co.uk...alculator.aspx
Fill it in and it will tell you roughly what benefits you could be entitled to if you return to the UK.
#12
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
What kind of person would ask their pregnant wife to move out of the house with young children after having recently moved to the other side of the world to a country where she doesn't have an established support network and is in a precarious financial position? Sounds like a real bastard
Relationships Australia (http://www.relationships.com.au/) offer subsidised counselling for couples. Perhaps you should give this a go. At least it might buy you some time and calm things down, if not save the relationship. You have every right to insist that he give this a try.
Relationships Australia (http://www.relationships.com.au/) offer subsidised counselling for couples. Perhaps you should give this a go. At least it might buy you some time and calm things down, if not save the relationship. You have every right to insist that he give this a try.
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 0
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
http://www.anglicare.org.au/
go and have a natter with these people. open-up to them, they will listen and then advise. they have connections with all sorts of useful bods.
wife and I volunteer with them, hence my awareness. don't be put off by the religious angle on the site. I'm not and nobody has mentioned religion to me ever.
good luck.
EDIT: here's the VIC locations http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/index...28&pageID=6724 (google 'anglicare locations' for anoter state). I would rock-up to an office and just say you need help and would it be possible to have a prelim chat to determine whether/how they can help. Tell them you are desperate.
go and have a natter with these people. open-up to them, they will listen and then advise. they have connections with all sorts of useful bods.
wife and I volunteer with them, hence my awareness. don't be put off by the religious angle on the site. I'm not and nobody has mentioned religion to me ever.
good luck.
EDIT: here's the VIC locations http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/index...28&pageID=6724 (google 'anglicare locations' for anoter state). I would rock-up to an office and just say you need help and would it be possible to have a prelim chat to determine whether/how they can help. Tell them you are desperate.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat020; Nov 18th 2010 at 11:10 pm.
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 1,376
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
You really need to get some legal advice regarding your house. With 2 kids and another coming he is in for one hell of a maintenance payment.
Even speaking as a man, I fail to see why you should move out - it's going to be very hard for your children anyway without them having to move out of their home.
He may be a bastard, he may not. There are always two sides to a divorce but he should at least realise that the well-being of his children is still paramount.
Even speaking as a man, I fail to see why you should move out - it's going to be very hard for your children anyway without them having to move out of their home.
He may be a bastard, he may not. There are always two sides to a divorce but he should at least realise that the well-being of his children is still paramount.
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 516
Re: Australia or UK? - Difficult circumstances
I am hoping for a little advice from anyone who has been or is facing a similar situation as this.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011.
For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility.
Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion, or mind, where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
My family and I immigrated to Australia 1 year ago. My children and I are holders of permanent residence visas and would be able to become Australian Citizens in another 3 years. I am also pregnant and the baby is due in January 2011.
For the past 9 months our family has fallen apart. My husband has asked for a divorce and as far as I know will be getting advice on how to proceed. I already know that under Australian Law and maybe it is similar to the UK that one would have to separate for 12 months before an application for a divorce can be made. To add to this problem I only have a job for another month and then I will be unemployed. Of course moving out with the children before the baby arrives is taking its toll on me and realistically I am not sure that I can cope or even manage. Finances are a huge worry. Centrelink have confirmed that I would Family Tax Benefit? I don't know what the difference is between A and B? But so far are unable to confirm if I will qualify for the Parenting Payment as I haven't been here for 104 weeks yet. I have spoken to Immigration and one positive thing to have come out of it as that I don't need to transfer to a different visa or that my current one would be cancelled! That was a worry I have to say.
The baby is being born by caesarean and I know with my first two children recovery was very slow especially in terms of mobility.
Now to the idea of the UK: We have a house in the UK which could not be sold due to the recession and redemption penalties our borrower was ready to dish out. We have had the same tenants for a year and as far as I know have been happy and looking after everything. If I did consider returning within 6 months I would not be able to live in our house as I would have no job or be able to get one that would cover the mortgage. We cannot apply for a new rate for another 2 years so for now are one of the few sitting with a fixed rate mortgage.
I suppose what I want to know has anyone returned to the UK due to desperation and not have anywhere to go? I don't have any family or friends that could help us so it's just me and the children. I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The eldest one has fallen behind at school and this is mainly due to her teacher not being very good but I do hear mixed opinions about the public education system. This alone is not a deciding factor of course I am lost and want what is best for the children. I went to see the people who allocate Government housing and the waiting list is 5 years but if you are a victim of domestic abuse then it is 18 months? Doesn't seem right to me but a major housing shortage is a huge issue. I am trying for things not get worse. I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery , but maybe one day.
My husband doesn't seem to have an opinion, or mind, where I go as long as I do. So across the pond or to another state doesn't really matter, I think we just need to be happy and for me to be able look after and provide for our children. I know that he would have to support them in some ways, these details I am still looking into.
Thanks for reading, and any help in the right direction would be really appreciated. Please feel free to move if I have posted this on the incorrect board.
As others have said find out your rights, with kids you should be the one to stay put and he should move out, you need to be with some sort of support network and help, good friends are worth their weight in gold so decide where would you get the most help. I know you know all of this....
A friend of mine new to Australia went through the same thing, she made him move out of the rental and she stayed with the children. She was entitled to full centrelink and she also got rent assist, she also gets most of her money back she has paid in tax at the end of the tax year (she is a nurse). She went to see a lawyer (legal aid) who told her exactly what she needed to do.
I am not saying it is easy for her but financially she is doing ok and to honest it is more the lack of support that is the hardest. At the end of the day wherever you are happy the kids will be happy. Good Luck....