Dont know where to start

[sharvs]

This is a follow on from an earlier thread of mine.

My ex partner is in the Army & has been overseas for 6 months. We have decided to split. Without boring you with all the details, he has hurt me and i need to get on with my life. He is due home early April. I know the right thing to do is to probably wait until he comes home but whilst i am still living in an Army house & he is paying the rent, he is still controlling me. I want to start my new life and i dont know if i can sit around another 2 months waiting for him to come home.

Its so complicated - at the moment i am still living off his income (i dont work). We have a joint car loan. Am I entitled to half of everything, even tho im not working? He sees all our savings as being his because he is earning the money. He has the financial hold on me & I need to gain control. If i continue living in this Army house, with him paying rent will centrelink give me any extra money as a single parent?

Sorry if this is confusing... im pretty messed up at the moment. I know in my head what i wanted to say, i just cant get it out.

[Pobblebonk]

Hmmm, first of all, huggles to you. Sorry you are going through this.

I guess you would first of all need to ring Legal Aid and have a chat with them, or see what you can find out from their website.

I know that defacto counts for something, just not sure what. How long were you guys together?

Also, ring Centrelink and make enquires as to what you'll be entitled to.

[Amberlea]

Definitely - hugs to you - it must be a rough time for you at the moment.

I believe that in order to be entitled to half of everything as with a marriage.. you must have been in a de facto relationship for 5 years (continuously - or for seperate periods totally 5 years).
Legal Aid will be able to tell you more - you can contact them on 1300 65 11 88.

As for Centrelink, you should be entitled to some form of assistance from them provided you can prove that you are no longer a couple.
You wouldnt get rent assistance though obviously because you arent paying any.

Give them a ring and explain the situation and they will be able to tell you what you are entitled too.
136150 - family assistance office (best to go through them when you have children)

Good luck.

[Mum2Bug]

:hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

:thumbsup: to Legal Aid from me too.

[motherlylove]

how frustrating you poor thing..it is so unfair that he is controlling you. Maybe contact cntrelink about the parenting pension so you can get on your feet and away from this situation. Hope it all works out for you. Does he give you an allowance?

[Chanelc]

Sending hug
Do ring Centrelink first up (I didn't and they said you need to tell them) as they will start the process of maintenance.
Suggest you seek legal advice as not sure what happens re splitting things up

[Snuffys Mum]

Hi sharvs,

I'm sorry to hear that this has been the outcome. :hugs:

This is the link for Defence Community Organisation. If you look under the heading "Families" you should find info about what to do in the event of separation etc. You will definately need to speak to someone about you legal rights but I would suggest rather than just going to legal aid you speak to someone with a working knowledge of the military procedures.
http://www.defence.gov.au/dco/

Good luck, this must be a tough time for you.