As a stay-at-home parent, you may have sacrificed your career, education or personal goals to care for the children and the household. You may have also supported your spouse’s professional growth and success, directly or indirectly. Will any of these matter during your divorce?
The good news is that Georgia law considers your contribution to the marriage when dividing the assets you acquired as a couple. Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including non-financial contributions, are among the factors considered to ensure an equitable distribution. Remember, you do not necessarily have to end up with equal portions of the marital assets, depending on your situation.
Your roles you took on may also come into play during alimony talks as the lower-earning spouse. You may be entitled to spousal support to help you meet your financial needs as you transition back into financial independence.
You may not be able to return to the workforce immediately due to factors such as outdated skills, lack of recent work experience or child care responsibilities. The court will consider your contributions as a stay-at-home parent, among other factors, in determining the duration and amount of alimony, if awarded.
Proper documentation is key
Providing supporting evidence and documenting your contributions to the family is essential if you are going through a divorce. You need to bring it to the court’s attention, or it could be overlooked. This can include child responsibilities, managing household expenses and any other tasks performed to maintain the family’s well-being.
Seeking legal guidance is equally paramount when navigating the divorce process. This can help safeguard your financial interests and ensure you get what you deserve once the divorce is settled.