My husband burned down our house

February 14, 2026

TL;DR

Francesca Onody and her children survived an arson attack by her abusive husband, Malcolm Baker, who died in the fire.
Baker had emptied joint bank accounts and cancelled insurance policies before his death.
Onody faced repossession of her land by Halifax due to £35,000 in mortgage arrears and charges.
Halifax halted repossession proceedings and cancelled accrued interest and fees after Guardian Money intervened.
Onody's ordeal highlights the financial and legal challenges domestic abuse victims face.
She had to challenge Baker's will, battle banks and insurers, and navigate bureaucratic red tape.
The Home Office conducted a domestic homicide review, initially questioning if Baker was the victim, before apologizing to Onody.
After securing probate and becoming personal representative of the estate, Onody discovered significant arrears and a repossession order.
Halifax eventually transferred the mortgage to her name, reduced the balance, and offered compensation.
Onody became the legal owner of the land in November and paid off the mortgage, hoping to sell and rebuild her life.

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