Divorces, although difficult, are common. Each year, couples file for a divorce for different reasons. In 2017, approximately 9.5 million single parents in the United States were women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, approximately eight percent of those women were stay-at-home moms. If you are a stay-at-home mom and are looking to file for divorce, you may be wondering what your options are.
Will I Need to Get a Job During My Divorce?
Typically, while a divorce is still pending, the earning spouse will be required to continue paying the bills and the mortgage. A judge will rarely force a woman to go back to work or find a job during the divorce. For women who do not have a job, a judge will usually order temporary spousal support during the divorce so that she can support herself and pay for expenses.
Will I Have to Go Back to Work?
This depends. If you have never had a job before and have no job skills, a judge will be more likely to order spousal support. However, if you have a degree and choose not to use it, a judge may not order spousal support, or may only order temporary spousal support. If you are relatively young, a judge may also order temporary spousal support long enough for you to go back to school or gain skills that will help you to be more employable; this is known as rehabilitative support.
Who is Eligible for Long-Term Alimony?
Long-term alimony is typically awarded to older wives who have been married for 10 years or more, and if your full-time job was raising your children and taking care of the home. Long-term alimony is usually awarded until you remarry or until you or your husband dies.
When Do I Stop Receiving Spousal Support?
Spousal support is based on need, so courts may revisit spousal support orders as a divorced wife’s financial situation changes.
Preparing for a Divorce
Although a divorce can be a complicated process, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:
- Collect important documents. Important documents include tax returns, bank statements, assets and investments, and personal and shared debts. Having these documents on hand helps your legal team understand where you are financially.
- Save money. You should also open a separate bank account. Do not make unnecessary purchases while going through a divorce.
- Start thinking about getting an attorney. Attorneys can walk you through the divorce process step-by-step and answer any questions you may have.
Delaware County Divorce Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represent Clients Going Through a Divorce
Although divorce can take a huge toll on you emotionally, it is important to know that you do not have to go through it alone. Contact a Delaware County divorce lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Our experienced lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for your suffering. For an initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 610-565-3701. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.