When it comes to spousal support and child support, the court sets payment amounts for the higher-earning ex and predetermined amounts are expected to be paid to a former spouse every month. Ideally, both parties can live the lifestyle they were accustomed to as a couple, but in many cases a divorce downsize is inevitable.
Areas Where a Divorce Downsize Commonly Occurs
Most divorcing couples are happy to look toward a future without their ex featuring prominently. Though if you have children together, parenting time means you’ll be in each other’s lives for a long while. Major changes are most likely to occur in the following places:
- Home: One ex may keep the family home while the other moves to a new residence, which means downsizing is likely for one person. For couples who choose to sell the home they shared and divide the earnings, a smaller residence is likely to follow for both.
- Vehicle: A two-family household evens-out in most divorces with both people keeping one vehicle. If your family has always had multiple vehicles, maintaining one may be all you can manage with a one-income household and child support responsibilities.
- Leisure: Used to nice annual vacations or getaways? These activities may become luxuries in the wake of a divorce, where you’ll find that downsizing your lifestyle when it comes to leisurely pursuits is necessary to help you feel financially sound.
- Socializing: Whether you were a couple who went to trivia night or enjoyed neighborhood gatherings or shared other couple friends, these activities will no longer work as they once did. Your social group and overall friend group will be downsized, with or without your say.
Unexpected Areas of Divorce Downsizing
Adults know the score when it comes to divorce, but some occurrences pop up and surprise you. This divorce downsize side effect can be emotionally and mentally taxing.
- Loneliness: You wanted a divorce. Being alone for real, though, especially when the kids are in bed or busy with their lives, can put your new reality in stark opposition. Thinking about the future can make some people feel sad about the lack of a partner.
- Decision-making: Solo decision-making can be daunting – but also freeing. Many newly divorced couples find themselves feeling stronger than they have in years because they’re not waiting for anyone to validate their choices.
- Parenting: Most divorcing couples choose 50/50 parenting time but raising kids this way is not like living together. Who do you roll your eyes with when your teen acts crazy, and who do you boast with when that child exceeds expectations? Most exes don’t call each other to celebrate.
A Divorce Downsize Isn’t All Bad
Divorce is the best thing that happens to some relationships. When you’re no longer happy with the person you married or the life you created, choose to live the way you want. Downsizing may deliver an absence of many things but it will eventually create a peace you didn’t know you craved.
Get support from the divorce attorneys at Femminineo Law. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our family law office.