The Ultimate Divorce Guide for Stay-at-Home Parents

Divorce is hard on everyone, regardless of age, occupation, or length of marriage. However, divorce can be a bit harder for some individuals than others, including stay-at-home parents.

Stay-at-home parents dedicate the majority of their everyday lives to caring for their families. Many even give up careers to have more time and energy to devote to their kids and spouses. Stay-at-home parents also often assist and support their spouses to maintain and grow in their careers.

Because of these sacrifices, divorce can be more difficult for stay-at-home parents to prepare for and navigate. Fortunately, a skilled divorce attorney can provide the quality guidance and representation stay-at-home parents need during a trying life event.

Reviewing Your Options for Divorce

Before diving into the divorce process, it’s helpful for stay-at-home parents to review the available options for divorce. Traditional divorce isn’t the only way to end your marriage.

Divorce can be expensive, and many stay-at-home parents just don’t have the means to engage in a contentious divorce. Other options may work for you, including a collaborative divorce and divorce mediation.

Discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable divorce attorney. Based on your circumstances, a divorce lawyer can provide proper advice and create a plan that suits your needs.

Preparing Yourself Financially

Finances are typically the primary sore spot for stay-at-home parents. Stay-at-home moms and dads usually give up their jobs and the chance to earn a living so they can be completely devoted to their families. The other spouse is usually the breadwinner.

This can put stay-at-home parents in a challenging place. During and after divorce, you have to make plans and arrangements for your financial future without the backing of a breadwinning spouse.

Assessing Your Financial Situation

First and foremost, it’s critical to assess your financial situation prior to the start of your divorce process. Gather financial documents for better insight, including bank statements, credit card statements, and tax records.

Knowledge is power. Thus, once you understand your current financial status, it can pave the way for you to make plans.

Planning for Your Financial Future

After you get divorced, your life will change. Among these changes, you may have greater expenses. Preparing for the future with a solid plan can help ease the stress and pressure you may otherwise feel.

Review your education and qualifications and begin looking for employment, as this may take some time. Consider any income you might have or any help your family may provide. And make sure to assess your current debts.

Additionally, ask your divorce attorney whether you may be eligible to receive alimony. Monthly payments from your ex-spouse can help you get back on your feet after a divorce.

Considering Your Circumstances

Life will look a bit different after divorce. Depending on the circumstances, you may not live in your marital home any longer, and you might not have your children all the time.

You may need to begin making living arrangements as quickly as possible. You should also mentally and emotionally prepare to have to share your time with your kids, as you may end up with 50/50 custody.

Stay-at-home parents are often used to a certain lifestyle and routine. This makes it harder to adjust after divorce.

Get Help From an Experienced Divorce Attorney

If your marriage is headed for divorce, don’t wait to speak with a divorce lawyer. The legal team at Gucciardo Family Law has extensive experience helping stay-at-home parents get through their divorces. Contact us today to get started.