COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas.

IS MY HUSBAND ENTITLED TO SELL OUR HOUSE WHEN WE DIVORCE?

When we first went into lockdown last year, my husband told me it was all over between us, and he left me to live with another woman. He said he’d been seeing her for some time and that he couldn’t face the thought of not seeing her for months - so he would rather live with her, than continue to exist with me!

I was in a state of shock for weeks. But over the last year and several months, I have come to terms with it.

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He wants to sell our house in order to buy a new house with his woman.

Surely, I should be allowed to stay in my own home until our children have grown up and left? Why doesn’t my solicitor stand up for my rights?

FIONA SAYS: SEEK MORE LEGAL ADVICE

I don’t know whether your solicitor is standing up for your rights or not, but if you’re not happy with what he is doing, look for another solicitor.

If you haven’t already done so, I would suggest you contact Citizen’s Advice.

You ask whether you should be allowed to stay in your family home until your children have grown up, but I’m afraid I can’t answer this. What might be morally right may depend on all manner of things, including whose name the house is in.

I LOVE MY HOME BUT I’M LONELY

I am a 75-year-old widow and have been living alone in a large house - my family home - since my husband died.

I dearly love this house and would hate to leave, but I am just so lonely.

I have thought about trying to find someone to share the house with me - for companionship rather than money - but am not sure how I go about this. I don’t have any suitable family members or friends who could move in - they are all settled in their own homes.

I am a little wary of advertising, as you never know who is going to respond.

FIONA SAYS: ASK AROUND JUST IN CASE!

I can quite understand your reluctance to advertise and so, although you say you don’t have any suitable family or friends, I would suggest you still ask them. There might be one who would be interested in changing the way they live for all manner of reasons.

You could also consider having a young person around; contact the housing office of your local college or university.

Email help@askfiona.net