If you were later asked to summarize the first few days and weeks after divorce, you’d probably say, “Same, but different.” You may be living in the same home, working nine to five for the same employer, and attending the same gym or book club every week, but other routines and responsibilities have changed.
This feeling is completely normal. You were married when you bought that house, started that job, or discovered those routines, and now you’re single. It won’t be long before excitement about all your future possibilities sets in, but for now, you’re still processing the ways that your life has changed.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect after the divorce agreement has been signed.
Shared Parenting
If you have children, divorce changes the way you parent. Even if the kids live with you, following a parenting plan requires you to share time with their other parent. For example, if you want to take the kids on vacation for the Memorial Day weekend, you’ll have to check that your former spouse doesn’t have them for that holiday. If they do, you’ll either have to change your plans or offer to switch holidays.
While this may feel strange at first, children are resilient and adaptable (just like you), and you’ll all enjoy creating new routines and traditions together.
Managing Your Own Household Finances
When everyone was living under one roof, household finances were comparatively straightforward. You shared all costs with your spouse. Now, as head of your own household, you are responsible for ensuring that all bills get paid.
If you were the one in charge of finances during the marriage, this transition won’t be too unfamiliar, but you will have to budget in ways that you may not have done before. If you’re new to these financial obligations, there may be a learning curve, but you can do it! There are some excellent household budgeting apps available, many of them free.
Shared Child-Rearing Costs
When you were still married, marital funds covered the cost of food, clothing, medical and dental care, and everything else the children needed. Now, one of you is paying child support to the other, and the amount payable will change as the kids grow older.
You can seek a modification at any time if you can prove a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- The child’s needs have changed (your tweens have become teens!)
- Your child is diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition that increases their cost of care
- You or your former spouse lose your job or get a significant raise at work
Like the other post-divorce changes, you will get used to this one over time. When a modification is necessary, your family law attorney will guide you through the steps.
You May Have To Go Back To Work
If you were a stay-at-home parent during the marriage, you may have to rejoin the workforce. When awarding spousal support, courts consider, among other things, the amount of time you might need to get the education or training needed to find a job and become self-sufficient.
While this is a big change after spending years at home raising a family, it can be an exciting and rewarding one. You’ll learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy a greater degree of independence.
If you’re wondering what to expect after divorce, talk to your family law attorney. At KL Family Law, we understand that this is a big change for you and will show you how to make the most out of the opportunities that lie ahead. For more information, reach out to us today at 714-372-2217.
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