I’ve just been through similar, we’re in a rented property and I claim universal credit and also work part time doing 16-20 hours a week and receive child maintenance too. It is scary at first but it is do able x
I'm almost 2 years seperated at the time my youngest was only 5 months old, I had to seperate due to the beginning pattern of emotional abuse and my exs explosive outbursts that were starting to get aggressive so was a no brainer for me. I was already claiming UC due to being on maternity at the time but still had my part time job. Just informed UC of the seperation and they moved me to a single claim, helped pay the bulk of my rent and my ex pays an amount towards CM. I work part time so that helps finance my car and our outgoings. It is definitely do able, tough at first and we'll always have some hard days but I've felt nothing but peace in my space and my kids are happy and loved that's the most important thing. I would say if you can work on things due just not feeling a connection there are some avenues like counselling to try before making this decision. Ultimately the kids will be okay if you are both happy and at peace about it.
Just wanted to add financially depending on your situation I don't see how one would cope not working even part time being a single parent as UC won't pay towards your mortgage, they will help towards your rent but it's a capped amount so unless your ex is willing to keep paying majority of the mortgage UC won't be enough to live off alone with two kids. Unless your relying on family help with finances etc or using food banks. So that's definitely something to think about
Get a job? You’d likely be entitled to help from UC too, and I assume he’d also be paying child support.