Just bought house - wife wants seperation

Hello all.
We have just bought a house and while the builder was still working on it prior to us moving us my wife has informed me that she wants a seperation. Now I was obviously shocked, angry and basically devistated. We have a two year old child and along with the new financial responsibilities the whole situtation seems like a total mess, even besides the emotional turmoil its causing me.

I guess I'm just wondering where this leaves me financially at this stage. Is it a case that all assets are on the table when it comes to making a fair settlement. She earns considerably more than I do and owns a house in the country that her mother lives in. I cannot afford really to live in Dublin unless I go into a house sharing arrangement which doesn't appeal to me and I'm not sure would work anyway because I'd be hoping to have my daughter stay over around half the time. She has said she wants joint custody which would mean I'd have to stay nearby and basically put myself in the impossible position of trying to make ends meet in the city.

I guess I'm wondering, is it likely that she can move into the house and block any attempt to sell it. Its reasonably big and family sized. I'm not too sure she'd get a mortgage on her own to buy me out - so can I force a sale?

Also, is her house in the country taken into account when we split assets. I feel like I'm being forced into a situation where I wont be able to live near our daughter. Also, I did take a number os sacrifices to support her in her career until it took off, so not I guess I am wondering if I can, for want of a better word, get some fair compensation for this (to put it crudely). I've delayed going back to college for years to support my wife, and my income has suffered greatly. On the same month we are ready to move into a new house she tried to kick me out and didn't seem too concerned as to where I went.

Build a partition down the middle of your new house and you could both live there together, separately.

I am very sorry you find yourself In this position. I have been through a separation/divorce.

First thing I would ask is the reason your wife wants a separation. Is the marriage definitely over? Is it something that could be helped with counciling etc. your little girl is young, you have probably had a financially stressful few years. Sometimes it is hard to see the wood from the trees. You owe it to the three of you to make sure you tried everything to make it work. Sit down with your wife and speak to her.

If things don't work out at least you know you tried evert hang in your power to save your marriage.

If things don't work out, everything is considered a joint asset. Mediation would allow you to both reach agreement in what way everything g should be split, what Halle s to family home, assess to daughter etc. agreement would be monster preferable but not always possible.

best of luck and look after yourself in all of this. Whatever happens, you will get through it and you will always have your little girl as a result of this relationship. Please always think of your little girl. She is the most important one here and she loves her mum and dad. Do not let bad feelings between yourself and your wife be picked up by her if at all possible - easier said than done I know.

You will survive......