Dáithí Ó Sé: I raised our children but now my husband wants me to live off my smaller pension

Other than agreeing to pay for the running costs of the house, he seems to think I should fund my own expenses and wants to spend his lump sum on a new car

You took a step back from working so you both could have children; there is an understanding there that if you do that, the knock-on is that your partner picks up the rest. It's even bizarre to have to even explain this in 2026. 

Dear Dáithí,

I retired two years ago on a small pension as I worked part-time while raising our children. It was a decision my husband and I made together. My husband has recently retired with a large lump sum and a generous annual pension.