There are many aspects of divorcing that are challenging. For a person who has been a stay-at-home parent, or who was otherwise financially supported by their spouse, figuring out how to become financially independent can be a huge challenge. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we are here to help make this process easier for you.
Keep reading to learn more about how to become financially independent after a divorce. If you need help applying for spousal support or otherwise require legal assistance, you can contact us at (909) 920-0908 for a free legal consultation.
What to do when spousal support is not enough
There are several types of spousal support that are designed to help the lower-earner become financially independent after a divorce. For example, in some cases a spouse may be required to pay for the other’s education so they can begin to support themselves. In some situations, the amount of spousal support may not be enough, perhaps because the higher income provider cannot afford more support.
In this instance, it will be time to find work that can support you. That may seem like an obvious tip, but remember that this is not the same as finding the same type of work you once had. For example, if you once worked as a server in a restaurant, this may not provide the income needed to be financially independent once you have children. In that case, consider what skills you have earned. Remember that your time raising children or running a home was not wasted time – you learned many skills. Make sure that shows up on your resume and that you are looking for jobs accordingly.
Understanding child support
It is not uncommon for a person who is about to get divorced to have an inaccurate idea of what child support is and what it can do. Some people assume that it is something that can help them run their household. That is not its purpose and it cannot be used in that way. However, others go too far the other way and believe it should not be used at all when figuring out how to become independent after a divorce.
You can use child support for the costs of raising your child. This includes their food, transportation costs, clothing, and perhaps part of the mortgage or rent payment. While you should not plan to survive off of child support alone, as you build a budget to determine how much you need to be financially independent, remember that many of the costs associated with raising your child can be offset by child custody payments.
If you have questions about how to ensure you get a fair settlement in your divorce then we recommend you contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 sooner rather than later. We are here to answer your questions, offer a consultation, and get you through what is a potentially difficult process.
