Home and Housing
If your ex-partner has left your home
Summary
If your partner makes you feel anxious or threatened, you should get help. If you’re a woman affected by domestic abuse, you can call Refuge or Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247 at any time. If you're a man affected by domestic abuse you can call Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 between 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you’re unsure about what to do next, talk to an adviser. You or your ex-partner will need to pay your next few mortgage or rent payments, even if you plan to leave - work out your options in the long term. Work out your budget online to see if you can afford the rent or mortgage, and where you can make savings. It's also worth checking if you’re eligible for any benefits to help with housing costs after you separate - you’re more likely to be eligible if you plan to live alone. If you’re already getting Housing Benefit - or the housing cost element of Universal Credit - you might be able to get a ‘discretionary housing payment’. These are extra payments to help with unexpected housing costs. You should apply to your local council for discretionary housing payments. Show them your payslips, bank statements and letters from your landlord if they’re chasing you for rent.
Key information
- married or in a civil partnership
- named on the title deeds or tenancy agreement
- 'non-molestation order' to protect you or your children from being harmed by your ex-partner
- 'occupation order' to give you the right to stay in your home and stop your ex-partner coming back
- help you find a legal aid solicitor if you can get legal aid
- help you apply to the court yourself
- ex-partner's name and contact details, if you have them
- mortgage details, if you have one
- deliberately avoid the occupation order
- physically harm you or your children
- stop you from applying if you wait longer
- use separate entrances and waiting rooms
Practical guidance
Related topics
More in this area
Sources
- Citizens Advice — If your ex-partner has left your home
This is signposting information from the Legal Shaman wiki, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor for your situation.