Every year, thousands of married couples file for divorce. Getting divorced is never an easy or simple process, but for stay-at-home parents, it can be even more challenging.
A stay-at-home parent’s divorce can be a positive shift, the first step towards reaching the next stage of your life, and ultimately, a step towards improved mental health. Follow these steps to get there.
1. Make a Separation & Divorce Plan
Whether you have been married for a year or a decade, few spouses realize how intertwined their finances and personal lives become. To ensure a successful divorce, you need to plan for your separation regardless of who initiated the divorce. Consider your financial situation from a 30,000-foot perspective. Your finances should be examined both from a hard numbers perspective – monthly income and expenses – and from a less tangible perspective. Keep excellent records of your finances if your monthly budget leaves little room for error or disposable income.
Keep track of the following:
• Expenses and Income
• Investments and Assets
• All debts
• Registration documents and Titles
• Bank statements
• Filings, Returns, and Supporting documents related to Taxes
• Your financial situation or anything else that documents it
It will be easier for your legal team to make decisions, such as dividing assets and establishing alimony and child support (if necessary) if you have all these documents.
Prepare a financial plan.
Having a good understanding of your finances will enable your attorney to outline the divorce process in terms of staying financially solvent after the divorce. For example, you may need to get a job or return to school for training and education.
The personal aspect of your divorce may be more important than the financial one: how will you live after you’ve separated? A sudden change is not always anticipated, and if you don’t plan, you may find yourself in a situation that harms you and your children.
Consider the following questions as you plan:
• To supplement my income, will I need to work?
• How long will I have to look for a job if that is the case?
• To live for six months, how much savings would I need?
• Without my husband’s income, can I support my children?
• What is the time frame for making the transition, and where will I live?
This is all the information your attorney can provide you during the planning process, so you aren’t alone.
2. Outline the details of the separation, including child support, alimony, etc.
The divorce process will take longer if you have been married for more than ten years, have children, or have a lot of assets and debts. In this step, you get into the nitty-gritty details of your divorce, including the court’s arrangements and your mediation with your spouse.
Become familiar with child support and alimony.
Depending on the laws in your state, your lawyer will discuss alimony and child support options with you. In some states, alimony isn’t available, or if it is, you may need to follow strict guidelines to get the benefits you are entitled to. In the case of child support and custody, your legal team will explain the possible options you have, as well as any residential restrictions on your children. Despite getting child support or alimony, you will still need a sound financial plan in place to cover the gaps, as these typically don’t cover all the expenses for a child or your bills.
During the division of assets, you’ll learn what assets you’ll need to replace, such as vehicles, furniture, etc., and what you’ll be allowed to keep. In addition, you’ll know which assets are yours to take without debate, such as property you owned before the marriage.
Ensure that any existing agreements are reviewed.
Your lawyer will review a prenuptial agreement to ensure you can adhere to it and still get what is yours.
3. Be patient during the transition.
Often, it takes years for a divorce and its arrangements to be finalized. You will have an easier time settling in and navigating the transition period if you plan and are patient during this time. When you have children, the transition period can be even more stressful. Be available to them throughout the process, as they are sure to have many questions, both for you and your former spouse. During this time, you and your children need to focus on your stability.
If you don’t lose sight of the future, you can put your plan in place, stay financially solvent, and use your divorce as a chance for a fresh start.
Are You Looking for an Effective Arizona Divorce Lawyer?
Do not go it alone if you are a stay-at-home spouse facing divorce in Arizona. Willison Law, PC offers superior counsel to help you manage the divorce process. With our help, you’ll be able to protect your rights in court and access the assets that belong to you.
For more information, click to call or fill out our online contact form.
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