New Lenox Divorce Attorney for Stay at Home Parents

Lawyers Assisting With Child Custody, Child Support, and Alimony in Will County

If you are a stay at home parent who is considering ending your marriage, you may be concerned about your ability to support yourself and your children. When adding financial worries to the avalanche of legal issues and strong emotions that come with divorce, you are likely to feel overwhelmed and unsure about your rights and options. That is why you need a dedicated lawyer on your side during this time.

With over 95 years of combined family law experience, the attorneys of Wakenight & Associates, P.C. understand the issues you are facing as a stay at home parent. We will work to protect your rights and ensure that you have the resources you need as you move on to your life as a single parent.

Divorce Issues for Stay at Home Parents

If you have chosen to forego career opportunities so you can stay home to care for your children, you may feel at a disadvantage during divorce. Without your own income, you may rely on your spouse financially, and you may wonder how to cover costs such as attorney's fees, moving expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, transportation costs, or any other day-to-day expenses. However, even if your spouse is the primary financial provider, marriage is an equal partnership, and you deserve your share of the family's income and assets.

During divorce, stay at home parents should be aware of the following:

• Spousal maintenance - If you do not currently earn an income, your spouse will likely be required to provide you with financial support both during the divorce process and after your marriage has been legally dissolved. However, this support is intended to help you meet your needs while you work to become self-supporting, so you will likely need to make plans regarding education or training that will allow you to eventually re-enter the workforce.
• Child support - As a parent who has remained in the home to take care of family responsibilities, you are probably the primary caretaker of your children, and you may be allocated the majority of parenting time during divorce. Your ex-spouse will likely be required to pay financial support meant to provide for the children's needs.
• Property division - Regardless of which spouse earned the majority of the household's income, any assets purchased or acquired during your marriage are considered marital property that should be fairly and equitably divided during your divorce. You deserve to receive your fair share of property such as household savings, furniture, jewelry or collectibles, and the marital home.

In high conflict divorce cases, stay at home parents may struggle to address legal issues, since their former spouse may attempt to limit their financial resources or hide assets. Our attorneys can help you address these concerns and protect your rights, and if necessary, we can help you obtain an order of protection and escape an emergency situation that threatens your family's safety.

Contact a Mokena Family Law Attorney

As a stay at home parent, you have made sacrifices for your family, and you deserve to have the financial resources that will allow you to maintain a good environment for your children. At Wakenight & Associates, P.C., we will work to protect your rights and help you reach a positive outcome in your case. To set up a free consultation, contact us today at 815-727-6144. We provide family law representation in New Lenox, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Joliet, and Lockport.