How to Prepare for Divorce as a Stay at Home Mom in Georgia

Divorce can be especially challenging for stay-at-home moms who have spent most of their married life taking care of the family and raising the children. 

Because they’ve taken time away from work, they’re usually at a disadvantage from a financial standpoint. It may be difficult for them to go back and learn new skills that’ll make them competitive in the job market again.

There are other aspects to consider, including the emotional, legal, and parenting issues that typically come up as a marriage ends. 

Here are some tips to help stay-at-home moms in Georgia prepare for divorce. A reputable family law attorney will also be there to help you through this difficult time. 

Prepare Financially

It’s important to get a clear and complete picture of the current marital finances as this will play a significant part in getting a more favorable settlement. 

Get started by preparing copies of all the essential financial documents such as tax returns, income statements and pay stubs, bank statements, documents for loans and mortgages, investment and retirement account statements, and insurance policies.

Most stay-at-home moms have depended solely on their spouse’s income to support them. When divorce is on the horizon, they need to get their finances in order as soon as possible to prepare them for financial independence. 

Here are some steps that can help with this:

• Open a Separate Bank Account: If a stay-at-home still doesn’t have a bank account in her name, now is the perfect time to get one. It’s not uncommon for the other party to make it difficult for them to access marital funds, so it’s crucial to be prepared and have enough to live on, plus pay attorney fees.  
• Check Credit Score: The earlier a stay-at-home mom takes control of her credit, the better. A good credit score will be essential later on if she plans to refinance her mortgage, rent a new home, secure an auto loan, or get additional credit lines. Request a copy of the credit report, and make sure that all the items listed there are accurate.
• Consider Requesting Temporary Alimony: It may be possible to request temporary alimony and child support while the divorce proceedings are still ongoing. This will help make the transition more comfortable.

Learn about Alimony, Child Support, Custody, or Visitation Laws

If the stay-at-home mom is awarded custody of the children, the father may be required to pay for child support or spousal support (aka alimony). The amount will mostly depend on the father’s monthly income, and this may not be enough to cover all living and child-related expenses. 

It may also be difficult for a stay-at-home to maintain their current lifestyle with the amount they’re going to receive. 

Talk to a financial advisor and a trusted attorney to make sure you take the steps needed to keep your family safe and secure. 

Contact a Reliable Georgia Divorce Attorney Today

As a stay-at-home mom, you’re going to have a difficult time navigating the legal and financial repercussions of divorce if you don’t have good representation by your side. 

A compassionate divorce attorney will fight for your rights, protect your interests, and help secure a good future for you and your children. 

Our team will help you get the best outcome for your case. Contact us online or call (678) 909-4100 to schedule a consultation.