Previous posts have focused on any variety of divorce topics ranging from complex, high-asset property division to how divorce affects income to troubling child custody decisions. One area of divorce not specifically covered by this blog, however, is the lives of divorced mothers. Divorce, no doubt, has a deep impact on the many people involved, including the separating spouses, children and extended family members, to name a few. Yet, when once married women become single mothers, there is no question that the process of divorce affects these individuals in a very particular manner.
Per family law experts, while men are becoming more and more involved parents even in divorce, women are still by far the individuals who are overwhelmingly caring for the kids post-divorce. Illinois residents may be interested to know that one woman in particular recently discussed her story and specifically how the financial impact of divorce not only affected her stress level, but also her ability to choose how to raise her child.
When the woman went from being a pregnant military wife to a divorced single mom, she found herself struggling to get by on public assistance. Not only that, but her limited income resulted in a number of individuals and entities making assumptions about how she should raise her child. She found her parenting instructions being second-guessed by daycare providers when requesting that they follow her child’s doctor’s orders. Further, while her family supported her, she felt alone in a world that depicted good mothers in a certain light, i.e. married and wealthy.
When obtaining a divorce, it is important to bring in all forms of support necessary, ranging from vigorous legal counsel to helpful family and friends. Ensuring an adequate property division decision, alimony and a fair child custody ruling can make a huge difference in the end.
Source: Salon, “The real mommy wars,” Mikki Kendall, Sept. 23, 2013
Tags: Family law, alimony, custody, property division