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Break up advice

(15 Posts)
GranJan60 Wed 24-May-23 21:08:12

My DS and his partner of 18 years have 2 children 11 and 9. Now “DIL” wants to separate. DS has reluctantly moved out to give her space and she is in their house with the kids without a job while he’s paying all bills. He wants her to face reality of lone parenting. Until recently we saw/cared for grandchildren regularly until they moved away but now haven’t seen them for 6m because of parental problems/uncertainty about future. We really miss them but don’t want to add to pressure

sukie Thu 25-May-23 01:31:09

This is a tough one for you GranJan60 but I think you're right not to add to the pressure at this time. Best to stay neutral and not express opinions to your ds or dgc as those can come back to bite you. I do think that perhaps you could discuss with ds your desire to see the children and regular visits could be arranged. It's important for the children's as well as your own well being. Good luck, it's hard, I know.

Ali08 Thu 25-May-23 02:06:43

Definitely keep in touch with DiL & GC, but try to stay neutral so as not to rock the boat.
Your son is paying for a roof over his children's heads first & foremost, not hers! If they own the house he could have it put in his will that should anything happen to him, his half of the house goes to the children. If it's sold, his half goes to the children at a suitable age!
I know it's hard not to interfere, even in what we consider the best interests of the children, but try not to, for the sake of your relationship with them and their parents!!
(If she moves someone in, they should definitely pay rent).

Coolgran65 Thu 25-May-23 04:15:54

I believe Son could only leave his half of the house if it is owned as 'tenants in common'. If it is 'jointly' owned, as is more usual, it would automatically go to his other half.

kittylester Thu 25-May-23 08:54:54

What coolgran said.

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 25-May-23 08:56:33

A joint tenancy can be brought to an end by either joint tenant and converted into a tenancy in common. Simple process.

NotSpaghetti Thu 25-May-23 09:01:19

I think I've missed the point here.
It doesn't seem to be about leaving the house to children or not... Isn't about GranJan seeing the children?

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 25-May-23 09:03:18

Yes, the will advice, whilst sensible, isn’t the most pressing issue.

crazyH Thu 25-May-23 09:08:02

Yes, I think Granjan’s main concern is about her seeing the children. For that, she needs to keep out of their squabbles and talk to d.I.l. to arrange visits etc
Not a nice time for you Granjan. Wish you and the family all the best and a calm transition.

notnecessarilywiser Thu 25-May-23 09:12:46

Presumably your son is seeing the children on a regular basis, Granjan ? Could he bring them to visit you from time to time?

GranJan60 Thu 25-May-23 09:31:28

Thanks for your advice. They’re not married by the way. Not so worried about wills etc at the moment, just finances. Obvs.DS will pay for the kids but can’t afford two mortgages/bills etc. “DIL” wants him to get flat nearby to have kids at weekends but not affordable. But most important to us is to keep in touch with the kids. DS sees at weekends but because future situation uncertain doesn’t want us to say anything.

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 25-May-23 09:50:31

The difficulties when unmarried people buy houses and have children together …

Hithere Thu 25-May-23 12:14:00

"He wants her to face reality of lone parenting."

May I ask clarification? Without context, it seems harsh

Does she work?
How old are the kids?

Have they engaged lawyers to make custody and financial agreements?

Pumpkin82 Thu 25-May-23 14:20:22

Germanshepherdsmum

The difficulties when unmarried people buy houses and have children together …

What makes this more difficult? I am currently divorcing and wish I hadn’t married in the first place. Feels a lot more hassle having to go through the divorce bit.

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 25-May-23 14:39:44

At least you have the divorce process to end a marriage. Ending a cohabiting relationship when property and children are involved is more difficult.