my children as much as possible and would like to know my rights regarding shared parenting and I have been told that she may have a right to stay in our house until the children are 16. Is this right? and if so how would that work as we have a very large mortgage and would struggle to get another house. If you could advise me on where to go for more detailed advice over the phone I would be very grateful. A. Hi there Where there are children, the court will always encourage parties to reach a financial settlement so that the children's housing needs are met. If it is financially possible to retain the house for their benefit then this may be done. It rather depends on the size of the matrimonial pot now and in the near future. It also depends on whether the children 'need' to be in that very house and at 2 and 10 months that doesn't seem to be the case. In many one income households, retaining the house is not possible because as you have said, you cannot finance a house for the next 14 years in addition to housing yourself on a single income. If your wife is working or has the prospect of getting a reasonable income in the next few years and if she can take over the running costs of the house without much assistance from you, it is a possibility. If the house is retained, you would