The last year and a half has been a difficult time for many federal employees. Many have lost their jobs due to reorganization and downsizing in numerous agencies. Meanwhile, the state of the economy as a whole has led to numerous job losses and business closures in the private sector.
There’s no good time to lose your job, but if it happens when you’re going through a divorce, it can throw a wrench into your negotiations with your soon-to-be ex on everything from child custody and support to alimony to property division. Further, the need to find new employment – especially if you don’t have a generous severance package – can take significant time and attention away from your divorce.
Each situation is unique. However, let’s look at some important things to keep in mind if you’re dealing with unemployment and divorce simultaneously.
Be practical in looking for a job
A judge – and hopefully your soon-to-be ex – should understand that you may not be able to pay any kind of support right now. However, you will likely be expected to find a job with a pay level similar to your last one.
That means it’s important to be diligent about looking for such a job. The court may want to see evidence that you’re doing that – whether you have been the larger income-earner or your spouse has. It’s important to keep detailed records of your job search activities.
While at another time, a job loss may have been an opportunity to rethink your career trajectory, take some time to re-evaluate and maybe even go back to school. However, you need to be practical.
Getting another job is just as important if you weren’t the higher earner
If you were making less than your spouse and were going to seek alimony and perhaps child support, it’s just as critical to try to regain your previous income. While a judge will likely agree that your soon-to-be ex has to pay more for a time than they otherwise would have, they won’t react favorably if there’s evidence that you’re intentionally remaining unemployed or underemployed. If you and your spouse have minor children who still need to be financially supported and cared for, it’s especially critical that both parents are fulfilling their earning potential.
If you’ve lost your job, it’s critical to discuss it with your legal representative. This can help you form a plan for dealing with the uncertainty as you proceed with your divorce.
