As a stay-at-home parent, your life likely revolves around ensuring you raise your children right while keeping your home in order. However, when you’re served divorce papers or want to initiate a divorce, it can feel like your world has shattered. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with how to proceed. If this reflects your situation, this blog can help. Keep reading to learn what you can do to protect yourself and why it’s imperative to contact Los Angeles preparing for divorce attorneys as soon as possible.
What Can I Do as a Stay-at-Home Parent During Divorce to Prepare?
If you are a stay-at-home parent, going through a divorce can be terrifying. You may feel as though you’ll lose everything during this process. However, by taking the steps to prepare, you can protect yourself.
The first thing you should do is examine your prenuptial agreement if you have one. This essentially spells out the terms of your divorce, which can help you better prepare. While each couple has different conditions, it’s not uncommon for these documents to detail who will get the family home, how spousal support will work, and which property is communal versus separate.
Regardless of whether or not you have a prenup, you’ll also need to gather all financial documents. This includes bank and credit card statements, tax returns, investment account details, pay stubs, and loan information.
Should I Get a Job?
If you are a stay-at-home parent going through a divorce, you may immediately worry about your financial future. In California, both parents have a responsibility to care for their children financially. However, if you had to put your career on hold to raise your family or never had a job because you started your family young, this can be intimidating.
While the terms of your prenup may explore how your spouse will care for you following divorce, this may not be the case for all. Generally, you may find that California requires the recipient of alimony to make a reasonable effort to support themselves. However, the courts will also consider the age and health of your children, how much care they need, and your job prospects. Regardless, it can’t hurt to explore your job opportunities.
How Can a Divorce Attorney Help Me?
When you are going through a divorce, it’s always in your best interest to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney. Unfortunately, this process can be complex, and trying to navigate a divorce on your own can be disastrous.
As such, the dedicated team at the Zitser Family Law Group can help you navigate these complex and frustrating situations with ease. We understand that divorce for a stay-at-home parent can be anxiety-inducing. That’s why we will work hard to ensure you receive the assets and support you need to help you transition into the next chapter of your life. Reach out today to learn how we can assist you through these challenging times.
