Getting divorced can be a scary and uncertain time, especially for those who have little or no work experience or education. However, even if you don’t have work experience or education, you still have options after divorce. You do not need to stay in an unhappy or abusive marriage just because you don’t have work experience or education. Even if it appears as though your spouse will not have a sufficient income to pay alimony, you still have options. Though it may seem impossible, you can still leave an unhappy marriage—you just need to know how to start over after divorce with no money.
Get Vocational Training
It’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Though you will be doing it later in life, you can still get the education or training you need for a fulfilling career. In Utah, there are many vocational schools that offer hands-on training and certifications for passing the courses. A vocational school can be a good option for those who don’t have the time and financial resources necessary to pursue a four-year degree. Some of these programs can be completed in as little as 90 days. If you have not separated from your partner yet, but you know divorce is imminent, you should start a vocational program as soon as you possibly can.
Governmental Assistance Programs
There are many governmental assistance programs you may qualify for. Utah has programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) to help provide those in need with food and other necessities. Utah also has Section 8 Housing for those who struggle to find suitable living arrangements on a tight income. Utah also has programs to aid those who are unemployed or underemployed while job seeking. If you are concerned about financially supporting yourself after a divorce, you may want to see if you qualify for any of the benefits offered in your state.
Freelance Jobs
Freelance jobs such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Lyft can also help provide you with additional income while working around your busy schedule. Many divorcing parents have decided to work these types of jobs on nights when they don’t have custody of their children in order to supplement their income. If you have a particular skill such as writing, drafting, web design, editing, or photography, you may be able to find freelance jobs that you can do from home and that will work around your schedule. These types of jobs can be found on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeopleperHour. These sites have many categories of jobs available that fit a wide range of skill sets, and most of these jobs can be done from home.
Budget for Your Legal Fees
A lot of people are confused about when they can have their ex pay for their legal fees. Unless your ex has significant income or assets, it’s unlikely that they will be ordered to pay your legal fees. In some cases, when a person drags their ex through many needless and frivolous hearings, a judge can order that the ex pay for the legal fees that were a result of the excessive or frivolous hearings. However, this is also unusual, as most people cannot afford to take their ex to court so frivolously. So, unless your ex has access to significant financial resources, you should plan on paying for your own legal fees.
You Can Thrive after Divorce
You can make it! While each person has their own path after divorce, you can utilize the programs available to be successful. You do not need to stay in a marriage where you are unhappy and unfulfilled just because you’re concerned about your financial future after the divorce. At CoilLaw, we help our clients navigate the difficulties of divorce. If you have questions about your divorce process, contact CoilLaw today for a consultation.
