Stay at home mom divorces now what to do for income?

Question

My husband and I are separating, selling our home, not alot of equity there. I stayed at home raising our children for the past 15 years. I do not have a college degree, how will I find a descent job. I do not have 2 years for a degree, any ideas on the first thing I do as a single mother of 2.I do not know where to start.Is there help in South Carolina until I get on my feet. I need to go back to school so I can survive. I am so overwhelmed I can't think straight. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

When you filed the papers for a divorce request alimony. The judge will take your situaton under consideration.

Answer 2

seek alimony while going to school, married 15 years he will have to pay u something so your standard of living is what it was when u were married. any job will do for now.  

Answer 3

Dear,

       I'm sorry to hear that. I think that you must come out the sad temper of separating. If you must look for your child at home, you can open the shopping on the internet. For example, sell clothes, child kid things. Any way, you can find the job that can working at home, you can apart the time by yourselves. Thank you!

Candis

Answer 4

State will pay for your daycare while you work. Work in a factory if you need extra cash....work at mcdonalds if you just need to survive. Take online classes because state only pays for ONE between work and school.

Answer 5

a minimum wage job?

Answer 6

I also had 2 children (ages 11 and 15 ) when I divorced my husband for cheating.  I was already working one job but took on a part time job to supplement my income.  I did this from 7:00 am till 9:00 pm 4 days a week for a little over 4 years.  

I didn't have a college degree. I worked for the State the pay was lousy but the benefits were great. I then worked for a bank part time. The money was really good.  Once I learned the job well and was making decent money I quit the State and only worked at the bank.  

You do what you have to !   I had no help from anyone nor did I ask for any.  I am sure there is something you can do.  If you don't have any skills see if you can get him to pay alimony until you acquire them and get a decent job.  

Be strong.  Best of luck.  

Answer 7

I would advise you to get a lawyer (even if it requires help from parents, friends, taking out a loan etc.).  

In South Carolina you can ask for alimony & I would encourage you to do so.  Based on the years raising your children the alimony could be permanent (until you marry / shack up with someone else) or it may be temporary (to see you get through school).  The Judge will consider things like you being the custodial parent, standard of living, & some other statuatory issues (I believe SC is one of those States that considers "fault" in determining alimony).

If you are also the custodial parents, you will also receive child support payments.  While that isn't supposed to be used for a shopping spree (so you can buy new cloths), you can certainly use it for food, electric bill, rent etc.

From there you might go check out South Carolina's Department of Social Services and what kind of assistance you can get (if the kids are 13+ than you don't need day care).  In addition, if you do "opt" to go back to school than you can take out student loans (that will help).  Of course I would recommend not to go crazy with those student loans (you got to pay them back and it is one loan that you can't get out of..ie bankruptcy court won't touch it).

As to actual work?  Well there are entry level positions available.  Waiting tables isn't bad, but you really aren't setting yourself up for the future (not gaining a lot in the way of job skills, though a job is a job).

Answer 8

Get a few jobs.

Answer 9

That sucks:(

You could be a waitress.  They make good money if they are good at it.  

Hey Honky Ponky it's WELFARE!!  not wealth fare..  Can we please not encourage people to milk the system?  GEEEZZ

Answer 10

well firstly.....u need to chil for a second. and remember that it will be ok....it will work out.......and keep believing that. now i suppose i dont to ask u, if u had considered working just partime...just to start off. u will ned time to get ur head together..after a seperation, u must allow urself that breathing space. are ur kids still quiet young? would ur soon to be ex husband..be willing to take the kids at the weekend, so allow u to work at the weekends?....u might be right in thinking that there is help in south carolina........till ur in a position to work full time. there is alot going on in ur head now.....and u cant focus. so u need to have a priority list. and if u never used a diary before, then now is a good time to start. write everything down...from hhow u are feeling...to appointment due. but being a mum, with kids depending on u...the income is the most important to u. well, dont forget, that ur ex husband will be contributing to the up keep of the kids (i assume)...that will help. and then of course there..are the other issues...bank account..utilty bils etc. dont forget that even talking to ur doc........can help. he/she are in a position to suggest options to u. ur lawyer...should be able to do the same. surely that state can offer some sort of funding to u....just till u get sorted. u will be ok..... chin up :)

Answer 11

You could always mind other peoples children, a babysitter in so many words but if you put out an ad saying you are a mother of two well people are more than likely choose you because you have a different kid of qualification to someone who has a degree with no kids and owns a daycare

Answer 12

Your soon to be ex-husband will be ordered to pay child support and spousal support.  Research the profession you want to enter for education length (2-4 years) and cost, add at least 4-6 months to find a job and if your request is reasonable Mr. Ex will be ordered to pay your support for that length of time.  As long as your children continue to go to school he will have to pay child support, health insurance and education costs for them as well.

When a couple chooses to terminate their marriage I always have a problem with the children being made to suffer from it.  Is it really necessary to sell their home?  The spouse that leaves the home is usually the one pushing to sell it and divide the proceeds.  You should independently speak to real estate professionals or do your own research with the objective to keep a solid foundation for your children.  It may actually cost more to move and set up a household then staying where you are.  If you have little or no equity neither you or your ex have anything to gain by a sale.

The most important thing is for you to hire the best attorney your soon to be ex can afford.   Ask around for referrals and interview two or three hopefully using their first hour free offer.  The court will also order him to pay your attorney fees and all court costs.  

All the above is do able.  Don't allow yourself to be buffaloed by Mr. or anyone else, you ARE NOT the underdog.  I did it, for my child.  You can too.