Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
Stay At Home Mom's Divorce Options
I need to know what my options are and would
appreciate some assistance.
I've been married 4 years. I came home from work
($33k/yr salary) 3 yrs ago as a SAHM. We have 3 kids
- 2 together
and my oldest (10) is from a previous relationship.
The younger 2 are not yet in school (3 & 19 mos).
Do I have any options if we split to keep our kids in
this house/school district? It's the perfect fit for our
kids - all of
them. The (affordable) house is in his name only.
We've lived here for a year. My credit is horrendous. I
have no
bachelors degree. He has a B.A. degree and makes
about $40k with much potential for advancement in
the future)
What's a ''custodial home''?
Would I be entitled to any spousal support? We never
had much luxury... I basically get food, a little bit of
clothing from time to time, shelter and all associated
with that, health/dental insurance & car insurance at
present. I think there's a question of what I'm used to
having... don't know if that helps.
He could never afford music/dance/karate lessons or
sports for the girls of any kind... I've always wanted
them to.
I don't have any savings... I've just been a mom for
the last 3 years.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Stay At Home Mom's Divorce Options
I can give you the same advice that I give to everyone who is facing the possibility of a divorce: spend several hundred dollars to sit down with a divorce attorney and get some advice.
You are not near me, and I will not be able to assist you.
Let me summarize what SEEMS to be your situation:
Very likely, you are going to have to start a divorce. You need to solve some problems in your life and your children's lives, and a divorce is pretty much needed; that is what I understand that you are saying.
Employment, income to pay the family's expenses, is an issue.
You have kids: custody and vistation, and child support are issues.
Child support and college tuition needs to be paid. Measured in tens of thousand of dollars.
You have a house, and maybe some money saved. You may have a pension plan; your spouse may have a pension plan.
Go see a decent, experienced divorce attorney located reasonably near you, and have the attorney to review your situation carefully with you, and give you some guidance. A good attorney could save you thousands of dollars and a great deal of heartache, make your life more manageable, and reduce the harm to the kids. When choosing an attorney, make sure it is someone whose personality works for you, someone you can work with.
Disclaimer: Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. You can not rely on the statements made by an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.
Re: Stay At Home Mom's Divorce Options
I agree with Mr. Davies. This site is a good tool to find lawyers that can help you. Or, if you have a simple question, we may be able to help you. You have a world of issues. Sit down with a good attorney.
I'd be happy to discuss this with you.