Guide to Divorce for Stay-at-Home Moms
Divorce is challenging for anyone. But stay-at-home moms face added obstacles for which they must prepare. Preparing for a divorce as a stay-at-home mom means you have to consider your emotional, financial, and legal future.
While each of these steps is necessary for any mother going through a divorce, they are especially important for stay-at-home moms who may not currently be financially able to care for themselves and their children after the divorce is finalized.
When you realize the marriage is over, it’s common to walk through a variety of emotions. Many women experience the four stages of grief as they come to accept the loss of their marriage.
Although most people have concerns about their financial status when they go through a divorce, stay-at-home moms who have been dependent on their spouses’ income may face additional challenges and must take additional steps to prepare.
These steps include having a strong understanding of your financial status, your available credit, and how to establish a budget. When you work with an experienced Atlanta divorce attorney, you’ll discover and understand the variety of choices you have during the divorce process. Your attorney will help you determine the best options for your situation.
Consider These Items to Increase the Potential for Successful Resolution
Being prepared for the possible financial, legal, and personal outcomes of your divorce can help you take control of your future. Consider these five steps that help increase the potential for finding a successful resolution that meets your expectations and moving forward.
Options for divorce: It’s natural to be concerned that the divorce might cost you thousands of dollars in attorney fees if you must battle things out in court. However, it is crucial that you weigh the pros and cons of spending a little more now to ensure you and your children receive the financial benefits due to you at the end of the marriage. When you work with an experienced divorce attorney, they can advise you about all your options and help you determine what’s best for your situation.
Household finances:
When you know that a divorce is coming, you must take stock of your financial situation. If you have not handled any of the finances or paid any of the bills, it’s time to get familiar with the family budget. As you gain an understanding of your family’s financial situation, you can use this time to gather the financial documents your divorce attorney will need. These can include but are not limited to:
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage and HOA statements
- Retirement accounts
- Bank accounts
- Tax documents for the last five years
- Statements for any major ongoing expenses, such as loans or tuition payments
- Life and health insurance information
- Pay stubs
- Any other documents that demonstrate the family’s financial situation
Inventory: It is important to have an inventory of all your family and personal possessions as well as an estimated value of those possessions. This includes jewelry, recreational vehicles, cars, homes, and any other possessions of value. Indicate which ones you’d like to keep. While there’s no guarantee that you can have exactly what you want, this inventory can help your attorney during settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Financial future: As you gather your marital and personal financial documents, you should also begin to plan for the future. It is time to create a budget based on your expected income and review your credit history and credit score. Look at your possible sources of income and begin exploring employment prospects.
Personal future: It’s likely your top concern is figuring out child custody and visitation. Think about whether it’s possible to stay in the family home or whether your finances require that you move out. Divorce is a physical and emotional upheaval in anyone’s life. Seek out help from your friends, family, or church for your own physical and emotional well-being.
Contact the Experienced Divorce Attorneys at Kessler & Solomiany, LLC
Divorce creates upheaval in your personal life and your family. You need an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Our experienced legal team knows the questions to ask and how to use the information to build a customized negotiation plan for a fair divorce settlement.
Our team works hard to protect your rights and the rights of your children. Divorce is a negotiation with your ex-spouse. The legal team at Kessler & Solomiany, LLC are experienced and successful negotiators who work tirelessly to protect the rights of stay-at-home moms. Call our office today at (404) 688-8810 to schedule your confidential consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
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