Relationship breakdown
A separation changes everything at once — home, income and bills. Getting clear on what is yours and what is shared helps you plan.
First steps
- 1List joint accounts, joint loans and bills in both names.
- 2Ask your bank about stopping new borrowing on joint accounts.
- 3If you now live alone, ask your council for the 25% single person council tax discount.
- 4Check if you can now claim benefits or Child Maintenance.
Joint debts
- With a joint debt, each person can be asked to pay the whole amount.
- Debts only in your partner's name are usually theirs alone.
- Let lenders know about your change in circumstances.
Your home
- Keep paying rent or mortgage if you can, even while things are sorted.
- Shelter offers free housing help if you are worried about losing your home.
Your safety
- If you are being controlled through money, this is economic abuse. Surviving Economic Abuse and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) can help.
Useful links
Want to talk it through? It's free and confidential.