War on Divorce

Dealing with finances after divorce...?

I am headed for divorce and my husband is getting ready to move out. Does anyone have any tips on how i can remain financially stable just in case he doesn't pay child support? I will be a single mother with two small children...and bringing home about $1350.00 a month.

Public Comments

1. spend wisely. it is not a lot of money but you can manage on that.
2. u will learn how what is a necessity and what is a luxury...but with 2 kids...assuming they are both his and u were married at the time of the birth...you will get 20% for first kid and an additional 5% for the 2nd kid...if he chooses not to pay--he will end up in jail...and then the government will pay u hire an attorney NOW
3. put together a budget and make sure that you can afford to continue living where you are...cut back on anything you can and make sure you have a cushion for hard times....make sure he pays...good luck
4. OH NO...the "Singlemom" guy is going to be all over this one. Honey, first off, there is no way he can NOT pay child support unless you allow it. They are his children, I am not saying to take him to the cleaners, but he needs to be responsible. Don't accept anything less from him. Roommates are one way to go, not always a good way when you have children. You would have to know and trust the person before letting them move in. I was in your same situation for a long time...I wish you luck. Just please don't let your ex get by with not doing his share.
5. Depends on what your living costs are. ALSO, be sure to KNOW where he's employed. Wage garnishment works well, as long as he continues employment. Otherwise you'll be like many, and he'll be a deadbeat dad. Prepare for the worst....And perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised. ;)
6. Live within the means of what you know is comming in and consider the child support payments icing on the cake and put it in the bank. The other thing you might consider is having the child support payments garnished from his pay if you are needing that to get by.
7. File a Domestic Relations order with the courts and have your ex's child support/alimony payments come directly out of his paycheck before he gets his hands on it.
8. spend wisely dont buy the namebrand things you can do it it maybe hard but you will manage have faith in yourself where there is a will thereare ways trust me
9. I hope for the best for you. What you will need is to have a savings account. for some "fall back on" money. Try saving some of your earning weekly. I 'm sure that it will be pretty hard for your ex to get out of paying his child support these days Good Luck with your new life!
10. 1. Budget A. Necessities B. Future necessities C. Personal spending ( entertainment) Necessities first, luxuries second. Hold firm to your goals.
11. This is depressing. You had feelings for this guy or you'd not have children. Is it you or him that can't take being married? If there any way for your home to be like it was before the children? Can you take care of the children and your husband at the same time? Even a little bit? I'm just throwing out ideas. Wordering what it would take to recconcile. Is he lonely, are you lonely, is it because you have no time for each other? Maybe 2 hours a day that you each get each other no matter what. No matter how many cloths there are, or how messed up the livingin room is. 2 hours in each others arms. Just fishing for hope....
12. You're definitely will need assistance from the government and state so look into that. Also try to maintain a friendship with your soon to be EX this way when you need a little bit more than child support is giving you he'll be there plus to give you breaks with the kids. Most states enforce child support when you file for divorce so I wouldn't worry about him not paying.
13. Let me first say I am happy you have decided to divorce someone so awful. First, you need a lawyer to make sure you get the child support he owes you. What you bring home isn't bad, but may be tough on a single mom. Try to cut down your outgoing finances, such as car payments and anything extra that you can do without like cable or that daily starbucks coffee. You can apply for WIC and foodstamps if you really need to, that will help. Try to find a family member that can watch your kids when you are working so it is cheap. It isn't easy starting out on your own, but you can do it. Don't give up, you made the right decision. Good luck sweetie