Can Ex Force Sale of House?

[maggieDDD]

I have been separated from my ex partner (not married) for 7 years, we have two children together (12 and 9) and a joint mortgage.
The DSS are paying the interest on the mortgage and my ex hasn't paid anything (including maintenance) since we split.
He is now trying to force me to sell, I can't possibly afford to buy anywhere with half the equity and he has told me he will force the sale if I don't sell - can he do this?

[bertha100]

Ask the Citizens Advice Bureau for a list of Solicitors who will give you half an hours free advice

[br21]

As far as I am aware, if you can afford to pay the mortage on your own, he cannot make you sell the marital home (so to speak) until the children reach 16 or 18 not sure of the age.