Divorce help

[bigwad]

For a number of years I have lived with my wife, who has a drink problem, she (and I) have tried to address this in a number of ways in the past. But I now can't cope any longer and I want out, however as with many divorces it's complicated, I had a house before we got togther this is now in joint names and we have jointly bought another house. To assist in buying the second house, we have remortgaged the first home, if and when we divorce, do these assets both get split, will I automatically lose my home? My wife is on a very low salary and there is no way she would be able to support 1 let alone 2 properties, I am on a reasonable salary but would not be able to afford to buy her out of both properties!!

[lady_p_gold]

Well unfortunately if you cannot afford to buy her out then I think you might have a problem. It all depends on how much equity there is I suppose. If you divorced then all your assets would be put into one pot, but also your debts and you would either have to agree how to split it or if you could not agree, then the Court would have to decide. Do you think she would agree to selling the properties and maybe buying her a small property outright and you then buying another property with a mortgage you could afford. If she is on a low wage and has a medical/drink problem then she is not going to be able to pay a mortgage. I suppose you have to think of the quality of your life but I can see how you don't want to lose everything you have worked for. However, you still have housing needs ... so best to go and get and initial appointment with a solicitor and see where you stand.