Not sure what to do

hi all, i guess this is going to be more of a vent, get it of my chest type thing, not sure really. i have been separated(now divorced) from my ex husband for over 2 years, i was lucky enough to meet a wonderful man about a year ago, fell in love. during the separation from the ex i brought the family home but decided i couldnt live there anymore, way to many memories. so the new man said, move in with me, yes teenage kids in tow too. so about 6 months ago we did, life has been great. so great that as i was not happy doing the job i was doing (pushed by ex to go into a career i didnt want) new man suggests i start a fresh doing something i really want to do, so i did, i am not working currently waiting to start at university in the new year, taking time out to chill, unwind and just enjoy being a stay at home mum for my near all adult family. new man very supportive of this, took me a while to accept relying on him financially, especially as he doesnt earn a great big salary and he is now supporting 3 extras, with mortgage to pay etc etc. Well last week, there was a knock on the door, new man has been given a court date for fraud, NO I DID NOT KNOW WHAT HE WAS DOING, seems he for a few years prior to us moving into his house, was getting financial help from the government to make ends meet when he wasnt entitled to it. stupid thing to do - totally stupid. now it seems he may go to prison, i have no idea what is going to happen, i feel like shite, i gave up work, i want to study, i want my happy life back. instead i am scared of what this means, no work means no income, if he goes to prison, what will happen to me, to my family, to our relationship. part of me knows that hey even good people make stupid choices in life and for new man this was his, another part of me just wants to run away and start again. the hassles is i love him to pieces, until that fateful knock on the door i was incredibly happy - not flush with money but so so happy. now i feel like i am going to loose it all because of a choice he made way before he met me...... what do i do? i feel like i have failed again, im so scared. help!

NEWSTART: Hopefully, this is the only time that he has gotten into trouble with the law. If so, he may get off with probation and restitution. Hope for the best and be there to support him. If it turns out worse then you have to do what is right for you to survive. Good luck!

Hello Newstart13, I can udnerstand the uncertainty you are feeling atm. Just when everything seemed to be finally looking up & then the knock at the door. Can i suggest seeing what options you have for all scenarios? So if it worst case senario & your partner does go to jail, Or if he gets probation & restitution, how will you make ends meet, can you children contribute to the house? Do you have friends or family or even a service to talk with someone who can asssit you work out the best options? My prayers are with you that you may find the strength to overcome this situation.

Thanks for the support Golfnut and Aurora, unfortunately for him (and me) the government is cracking down on this type of crime, the best we can hope for will be home detention, and he maybe able to work during that, but in all likely hood he will go to jail, maximum term is 7 years. i am gutted, i so want to support him, but it is the uncertainty and the feeling of being such a fool. i had a good job, not one i liked but it paid well, a home of my own, 3 great kids. now i live with him, no job (yes that is my choice as am going back to school) and have old home on the market to sell. Im just scared, i love this man so much and he is a good person. he just made a really bad decision, and it could and will affect us. i have no idea what to do, i hate being scared like this. i would like to just runaway but cant, the two children that do live with us have nowhere to go if i just runaway. i am not wanting to tell my friends or family as i dont want them thinking i am stupid or anything bad. trying to get help from any support networks here for the partner of a tobe convicted person is non existent, noone seems to want to help or listen, hence i ended up online looking for a source of support. funnily enough, when my marriage of 21 years ended i ended up online then too. It is funny how complete strangers can be so supportive and understanding. thank you again, please think good thoughts for me and I pray it will work out in the end.