Spousal Support After Raising Kids
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | October 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
Fighting for spousal support when you haven’t worked and focused on raising children can feel overwhelming, but it is a crucial step to securing your financial future after a divorce. Many people in this situation worry about their lack of recent work experience and income. However, the contributions made as a caregiver and homemaker carry significant weight in spousal support considerations, and courts generally recognize this.
Why Caregiving Matters In Spousal Support
If you dedicated your marriage to raising children and managing the household, you made sacrifices that allowed your spouse to work and build a career. This role is important, as it contributed to the stability and functioning of the family. Courts often take this into account when determining whether spousal support is appropriate and how much should be awarded. Just because you didn’t earn a paycheck doesn’t mean your contributions weren’t valuable. When you raised children and were responsible for maintaining the home, you may have set aside your own career ambitions or the opportunity to build retirement savings. Attorneys at
The Andres Lopez Law Firm can attest to the fact that courts will consider the years spent in this role when evaluating the need for spousal support, as well as your ability to return to the workforce.
Your Spouse’s Income And Lifestyle
Another factor that plays a role in determining spousal support is your spouse’s current income and the standard of living you maintained during the marriage. The court will consider whether your spouse can continue supporting you at a level similar to what you had during the marriage. If your spouse has a high income or significant assets, this will likely impact the amount of support you could receive. A lawyer, like a
spousal support lawyer, knows that if your family lived comfortably while you focused on raising children, the court may decide that you should receive enough support to maintain a similar standard of living, especially during the initial adjustment period after the divorce. In some cases, the length of the marriage and your spouse’s earning potential in the future can also be key factors.
Reentering The Workforce
One of the biggest concerns for someone who hasn’t worked in years is the question of reentering the workforce. It’s understandable to feel uncertain about your ability to find employment, especially after spending years outside the job market. Courts recognize that it may take time for you to gain the skills or training needed to secure a job, and this is often reflected in spousal support decisions. Temporary or rehabilitative spousal support may be awarded to help you cover living expenses while you work on building job skills or completing education or training programs. This type of support is designed to help you transition into financial independence. However, in longer marriages, permanent or long-term spousal support may be awarded if returning to work is not a realistic option due to age, health, or the need to care for minor children.
The Importance Of Legal Guidance
Divorce can be a difficult process, especially when it involves financial uncertainty for one spouse. If you’ve spent years raising children and managing the home, it’s essential to understand your right to spousal support. Our friends at
Robinson & Hadeed discuss how important it is to work with legal professionals who can advocate for you and help present the full scope of your contributions during the marriage. Having strong representation ensures that your financial future is considered during the divorce proceedings. Get legal help when you need to fight for spousal support.
