Divorce can be an emotionally burdensome experience, especially if you made significant sacrifices in the name of love and family. Many spouses willingly step back from their career or educational pursuits to support their partner’s ambitions and care for the family. This can lead to feelings of loss and frustration when the marriage ends.
If you made significant sacrifices for your marriage, understanding their potential impacts on your divorce settlement — specifically the property division agreement — is essential to protecting your interests. Here are some things you need to know.
Georgia law recognizes your contributions to the marriage
As an equitable distribution state, Georgia courts aim to achieve a fair division and not necessarily an equal one. This involves considering various factors unique to each case, including the contributions of every spouse to the marriage.
For instance, you might find that your earning potential or income is significantly lower now due to the sacrifices you made during your marriage to manage household responsibilities. While such contributions are non-monetary, they are equally crucial to the marriage and carry some weight when determining a fair division of the marital estate.
Documentation is crucial to protecting your interests
Documenting your contributions to the marriage can be beneficial in acknowledging the sacrifices you made. Keeping a record of your decisions can provide evidence of your commitment to the family, whether it’s leaving a job, postponing education or even relocating to support your spouse’s career. It’s something that can strengthen your position during negotiations and help ensure that your contributions count.
It’s wise to reach out for legal assistance as you navigate the complexities of divorce. It can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement that factors in your sacrifices and other contributions to the marriage.