I need desperately to separate from my husband due to irreconcilable differences. I am trapped in a home where I rely mainly on my husbands income. I have begged him to sell our home and a small investment property, however he refuses to budge which leaves me without sufficient income to support myself. I have one dependant child of 15 years of age who would stay with his father. I need advice as to the steps I can legally take to end the marriage and be given my due share of our assets. I am treated an an incompetent and ignorant slave. I am 53 years of age and have suffered from depression for many years. My husband totally ignores my desperate pleas for help and support and I simply cannot take his denegration any more. Please assist me in escaping from this cage. My husband does not know I am seeking advice. I am too frightened to tell him as I am afraid of his reaction.

Sincerely

Laree Sernaggia

Optional Information:
State/Territory: Tasmania

Already Tried:
Received counselling without success. I have no friends I can speak to as my husband is housebound to the couch and TV. and refuses to socialize. I have nowhere to go and am afraid to leave my part-time job in case I become unemployed. I do 90% of the housework, cooking and financial management, and then hide in my bedroom for hours. My husband and I have no form of normal relationship and he has told me that he has no intention to moving from our home of 23 years.