Hi Everyone,
I find myself in the middle of a divorce, trying to figure out how to keep a roof over my kids heads. I know that I can't be the only Kossack to have ever found myself in these circumstances, (although most people don't get a divorce because they finally realize and accept that they are gay). I have a lot of questions, and I am hoping that some of you have suggestions on where to get answers.
I hope the comments of this diary will be a good way to collect this information and provide a lasting resource for people navigating divorce.
I have been a stay at home mother for the past 16 years. I homeschool my kids, so I have been very hands on with them. Luckily I got my 500 hour certification for therapeutic massage a few years back so I am beginning to market myself as a massage therapist in my area.
My ex and I are fighting over who keeps the house and this is an area I could use some direction with. The house payment is low, and though it is a small house, it has room for my kids and myself which I am going to need so that they can have a place in my home. The payment is low enough that I wouldn't be able to find a rental for this price. I'm assuming that I will have to re-finance the house in my name and get my parents to co-sign with me. I'm wondering if there are any stimulus programs that might help me with the house. Long term I will be able to handle the monthly bills, but things will be tight for a little bit as I build my business. I'm hoping to be able to do most of my massage work on the weekends when my kids are at their father's home and this will allow me to continue homeschooling them during the week. Any suggestions as to ways to re-finance or otherwise structure the house would be greatly appreciated.
I will get child support and spousal support, but I don't really know how that is going to work yet. I understand there is a formula to fill out, so it should be pretty direct. We are using a mediator who has a marriage and family counselor background which seems like it should be helpful but we really haven't started negotiating things out so I'm not sure what will and what won't work yet.
Really, as you can see by my rambling writing, I don't know what I'm doing here, so any advice would be welcomed.