I want a divorce because my husband doesn’t pay towards our living costs

DEAR DEIDRE: My husband doesn’t pay his share of our living costs, and it’s driving me to contemplate divorce.

I’m left to shoulder the burden while he splashes his cash on himself. It’s making me feel resentful.

I’m 36 and he’s 39. We’ve been married for five years.

When he moved in with me, eight years ago, I already owned a flat, which I’d saved hard to buy.

He set up a standing order to pay me for half the mortgage and bills and, when we got married, I put his name on the mortgage.

We both work in the charity sector and have very similar salaries.

But over the past two years, our mortgage and bills have skyrocketed – I’m now paying about £700 a month more than in the past.

I expected my husband to change his standing order to reflect the increases but he didn’t.

So now I’m struggling to make ends meet, while he’s enjoying the life of Riley – going out with his friends and planning a holiday.

I feel like ending our marriage – but I can’t afford to!

DEIDRE SAYS: Walking away from your marriage certainly wouldn’t solve your financial problems.

If you love your husband, you need to resolve this by being honest. Make it clear his behaviour isn’t acceptable and ask him to pay his share.

My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself should help you get the message across effectively.

Perhaps it’s time to set up a joint account for shared expenses.
My support pack Family Finances would also be helpful for you both to read.