What Stay-At-Home Moms Facing Divorce Need to Know 

Divorce is hard on everyone who goes through it, but if you are a stay-at-home mother, your path forward can be even more challenging. If this is the situation you find yourself in, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Minnesota divorce attorney. 

How Your Status as a Stay-at-Home Mom Affects Your Divorce

The fact that you stayed home, cared for the children, and kept the home fires burning over the course of your marriage can affect your Minnesota divorce in significant ways, including:

• Because you were not working and fostering your own earning potential over the course of your marriage (but were likely supporting your spouse’s), it can leave you at a serious financial disadvantage upon divorce.
• The fact that you have spent more time parenting your children leaves you in an advantageous position for gaining primary custody (the court tends to favor maintaining the status quo). You are also more likely to be the recipient of child support. 
• Your situation leaves you in a better position to receive alimony, which is designed to help the financially disadvantaged spouse gain greater financial independence post-divorce. 

The fact is that stay-at-home moms can face the most significant financial upsets upon divorce, and protecting your financial rights from the outset is paramount. 

Important First Steps

There are several important steps all stay-at-home moms should take as they move forward with the divorce process, including:

• Work closely with a dedicated Minnesota divorce attorney from the very beginning (your financial and parental rights are too important to leave to chance). 
• Secure access to marital funds to help ensure you’re able to support yourself and your children while your divorce is pending.
• Gather all relevant financial documentation. The fact is that the assets you acquired over the course of your marriage belong to both of you – regardless of who brought home the paycheck – and you are entitled to your equitable (or fair) share. In order to receive your fair distribution, you need to know what you’ve got. 
• Create a new, realistic budget that addresses you and your children’s financial needs, including expenses such as your mortgage, utilities, food, clothing, and other necessities of daily living. 
• Know what your marital home is worth. This is important even if you plan on remaining in your home with your children. Your family home is very likely your most significant asset and knowing its worth is critical to the fair division of your marital property. 

The court recognizes the unique challenges that stay-at-home moms often experience with divorce, and your skilled divorce attorney will help ensure that your best interests are well represented. 

You Need an Experienced Minnesota Divorce Attorney in Your Corner

The formidable Minnesota divorce attorneys at Atticus Family Law have the experience and keen legal insight to help stay-at-home moms like you successfully address your unique divorce concerns. We’re on your side and here to help, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.