There are many reasons Florida couples choose to stay in unhappy marriages. One of the biggest reasons is money, whether it is worrying about the cost of the divorce itself or thinking they cannot survive financially on their own.
If this sounds like you, the good news is that you can afford to get divorced. It is just going to take a little planning and preparation.
The unfortunate reality is that it is extremely hard to survive on one income these days, and having dual incomes is a major factor in why people stay married. You know that if you are divorced, you will need to depend on only your income.
Finding a new job
Start looking for a job that will enable you to do that. If you are already working and enjoy the organization, seek out new potential roles with a higher salary.
You may also consider simply looking for a new job, or branching out into a new career field. It is best to give yourself time to look for the right position, and work in the position for a few months before moving forward with your divorce.
This can help you earn a few months of paychecks, and will prevent you from feeling too overwhelmed from starting a new job and divorcing at the same time.
Marital property
All divorces involve property division. This means dividing up your marital assets and debts. Make a list of all your assets and calculate their values.
Property is typically divided equally. Place half of the value of each asset in your column and half in your spouse’s. This can give you a rough idea of how much assets you will have after the divorce.
Marital debts and living expenses
Do the same for debts and calculate your monthly living expenses. Think of expenses you could get rid of if you were on your own, such as monthly subscriptions you can live without.
Once you have taken these steps, you may be in a better position to file for divorce.