When you and your spouse decided to settle in California after your wedding day, you no doubt had all sorts of dreams and plans for your life together. As you look back on all of that now, it might seem hard to imagine that more than 10 or 20 years have gone by. Perhaps you’re one of many spouses who sacrificed a career to stay home full-time to raise a family.
If you also happen to be among those who have decided that it would be better to file for a divorce than stay in a relationship that has disintegrated through the years, you no doubt have concerns about finances, namely how to ensure that you’ll be able to make ends meet for yourself and your children as you lay the groundwork for a new, independent lifestyle. Spousal support is often a primary issue in divorce.
Every state has its own spousal support guidelines
The thought of starting over in life after you’ve been at home raising your family for a decade or more can be daunting. In California, there are three specific issues to keep in mind when requesting this type of support in court, which are included in the following list:
- The judge overseeing your case will likely consider numerous factors to determine if or how much spousal support you should receive, including your current financial status, your current health condition and the longevity of your marriage, as well as several additional issues.
- There are several types of spousal support available under California codes of law, including that which is provided on a permanent basis, as well as a temporary form that provides needed support until the spouse in question is able to make ends meet on his or her own.
- In some cases, a person may receive a lump sum of money as alimony in lieu of a property division settlement.
The court considers each case unique and issues rulings based on the merits of an individual case after taking into account all relevant factors. If you have been out of the workforce for years because you set aside a career to stay home with your children full-time, the court can make its decision based on these facts and other pertinent issues.
Re-entering a single lifestyle after divorce
It can be quite an adjustment to start afresh as a single parent after having a spouse as a primary source of financial support during marriage. Many people in similar situations find it helpful to meet with a financial advisor or to speak with close friends or family members who have navigated similar circumstances.
Divorce can be disruptive and challenging in many ways, but it doesn’t necessarily have to ruin a family’s life, especially if you tap into local resources for support as you prepare for proceedings and make plans for the future. Not only can you help children process their own emotions and cope with divorce, you can protect your assets and make sure that you have what you need to provide for your family as you begin anew in life.