There isn’t any situation in which divorce is easy, but there are plenty of circumstances that can make the end of your marriage even more difficult for you. Being a stay-at-home mom can definitely complicate the divorce process and leave you feeling like you’re stuck in limbo. Without your own source of income, you might wonder if you can even afford an attorney or fight for yourself in court. Fortunately, there are lots of options for stay-at-home parents who are considering divorce.

If you’re ready to move forward with your divorce but you’re not sure what your next step is, the team at Coumanis & York is here to help. Call us at 251-990-3083 to set up a consultation right away.

Gather All Relevant Information

Being without your own source of income can put you in a precarious situation when your spouse wants a divorce or finds out that you want a divorce. They can make it difficult for you to get the paperwork and documentation you need. That’s why you should get your hands on this information as soon as possible.

Relevant documents include the deed to your house, mortgage information, bank records and statements from any accounts you have, Social Security cards and birth certificates, and information on other assets you have. Make physical and digital copies and keep them in a safe place.

Reach Out to an Attorney as Soon as Possible

If your ex-partner chooses to be vindictive about the divorce, they may drain the bank accounts and leave you with nothing. This is typically resolved in court, as those assets are not theirs to take away. In the meantime, though, you need to protect yourself.

An attorney can help you file for divorce and request a hearing for temporary child support and alimony. This ensures that you and your children do not go hungry while you wait for the divorce to be finalized. Hiring an attorney early on in the process may make it easier for you to get your hands on money for your retainer.

Start Planning for Life After Divorce…

Your life will undoubtedly change after divorce. That can be painful to think about, particularly if you find your work as a stay-at-home mom fulfilling. However, don’t leave important decisions like where you’ll live and how you’ll earn money until the last minute. You’ll want to start considering your options right away so you can build a budget and learn more about childcare options.

…But Don’t Make Any Rash Decisions

While it’s important to plan for life after divorce, this is not the time to jump into any new endeavors or commit yourself to anything. Don’t sign the next few years of your life away to a job training program until you’ve had time to decide whether or not it’s a good fit. Don’t rent a place in another state and plan on putting down roots far away from your ex. You may even want to hold off on applying for jobs until your lawyer gives you the go-ahead.

Any changes you make to your lifestyle during this time could affect the outcome of your divorce case. For example, if you start applying for jobs and take the first one offered to you, you could find yourself in a position where you don’t have childcare or childcare is so expensive that it cancels out your earnings. Your ex could try to use this against you and fight for full custody. Your attorney has your best interests in mind, so listen to their advice.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Divorce is draining for everyone, but as a stay-at-home mom, you have extra pressure on your shoulders. You may feel solely responsible for your children’s wellbeing throughout this process and have financial concerns hovering over you 24/7. Don’t forget to take time for yourself. You may want to use this time to seek counseling, talk to a financial advisor, or otherwise take steps forward that will help you create the life you deserve.

Prepare for Your Divorce with the Help of Coumanis & York

At Coumanis & York, we’ve helped many stay-at-home parents fight for their rights during divorce. We’re ready to talk to you, find out what you want to get from your divorce and make a plan. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 251-990-3083 or contacting us online.