I've been married 10years. I have 4 children between the ages of 4-10. I have been a stay at home mum for the last 10 years. I have been responsible for the care of the children, the domestic duties and finances. My husband earned the income.
In November, we had an argument and he said we were separated. He changed the bank account passwords (were only in his name) so I no longer have access to the finances. Since then, he has told me what I can and can't spend money on because we are separated and it's his money. He's spending money how he likes while sometimes he quibbles over allowing me to get petrol. I am financially dependant on him because I have spent the last 10 years raising our kids, so he could focus on building his career.
Our youngest starts preschool this year so will be at school 2 days per week. So I can potentially get a job these days. He said he can't look after the kids so I will have the kids the bulk of the time. He said he'd have them 1 weekend a fortnight.
He said he'd continue to pay the rent and that would be his share of child support. He doesn't want me to go through the child support agency. I've looked into government assistance and even with that and his child support payments, I won't be able to cover all the bills.
He has been diagnosed as bipolar which he refuses to be treated for. He says he wouldn't leave me to struggle one day but the next day says he'll pay nothing.
I don't live a lavish lifestyle, I just want to be able to pay the bills without having to worry. Would I be entitled to spousal maintenance? I just need him to support me until I can go back to work.
I don't know what I'm entitled to or how where to go or what to do really? Any help would be great.
In November, we had an argument and he said we were separated. He changed the bank account passwords (were only in his name) so I no longer have access to the finances. Since then, he has told me what I can and can't spend money on because we are separated and it's his money. He's spending money how he likes while sometimes he quibbles over allowing me to get petrol. I am financially dependant on him because I have spent the last 10 years raising our kids, so he could focus on building his career.
Our youngest starts preschool this year so will be at school 2 days per week. So I can potentially get a job these days. He said he can't look after the kids so I will have the kids the bulk of the time. He said he'd have them 1 weekend a fortnight.
He said he'd continue to pay the rent and that would be his share of child support. He doesn't want me to go through the child support agency. I've looked into government assistance and even with that and his child support payments, I won't be able to cover all the bills.
He has been diagnosed as bipolar which he refuses to be treated for. He says he wouldn't leave me to struggle one day but the next day says he'll pay nothing.
I don't live a lavish lifestyle, I just want to be able to pay the bills without having to worry. Would I be entitled to spousal maintenance? I just need him to support me until I can go back to work.
I don't know what I'm entitled to or how where to go or what to do really? Any help would be great.