If you are a stay-at-home mom in the middle of a divorce, you probably have many concerns. As a parent, you chose to prioritize your children’s development, sacrificing a great deal to do a job many refuse to acknowledge as an actual one, all out of love.
You have placed yourself at a disadvantage financially and in the job market. It is natural to experience worry as you undergo the legal dissolution of your marriage. Keep in mind that California law does take into consideration everything you gave up.
1. There is the possibility of spousal support
The law entitles you to temporary alimony to help you get on your feet. It realizes that your time out of the workforce and inability to keep up with constantly changing field standards over the years makes it difficult for you.
2. You still have to find work
Courts generally require you to put in serious effort to find a way to support yourself, barring any legitimate reasons preventing you from doing so, like a medical disability. Not trying may result in the denial of spousal support, as may the possession of other suitable sources of income like property.
3. Your employment status does not disqualify you from gaining custody
Courts do not automatically decide you are unable to support your offspring because you do not currently possess a paying position. They base custody decisions on a multitude of factors, such as the child’s age, health and emotional ties to you or your former partner.
Your status as a stay-at-home parent does not impact you negatively in most cases, including when it comes to child custody. It is important to use the resources courts grant you (like alimony) to find your own way in life as a newly single mom.
