Going Back to School After Your Illinois Divorce

The decision to get a divorce often comes with concerns over financial security, especially if you are a stay-at-home parent or homemaker who relied on your spouse’s employment for financial support. It may be intimidating to think about starting over on your own with little education or work experience, but a divorce can also be an opportunity for you to return to school and get an education that can help you support yourself while following your passions.

Tips for Pursuing Higher Education After Divorce

It is never too late to make a decision that can set you up for a better future. If you are interested in earning a higher education degree after your divorce, here are some suggestions to make the most of it:

• Identify your strengths and interests: One benefit of getting an education later in life is that you have had time to think about what you are truly interested in and passionate about. This allows you to choose a degree path that aligns with your strengths and leads to a rewarding career.

• Start part-time: As an adult, family and work obligations may make it difficult to dedicate all of your time to your education, but you can still make steady progress toward a degree by taking classes part-time, perhaps in the evenings or on weekends.

• Explore affordable options: You may be able to save money on your education by taking classes through an online program or at a local community college, and these options can be more convenient as well. Scholarships and grants can also ease your financial burden, and you may be able to find some that are geared specifically toward single parents.

Planning for Education During Your Illinois Divorce

If you know that continuing your education is important to you, you may be able to negotiate for terms in your divorce agreement that can help make it possible. For example, in Illinois, one of the considerations for awarding spousal maintenance is your education and employment skill level and the time you will need to acquire education to earn a stable income. If you are able to obtain spousal support, these payments can help cover your expenses while pursuing a degree or certificate. If you are a parent, you may also be able to arrange a parenting time schedule that allows you to take classes while your children are spending time with their other parent.

Contact a St. Charles Divorce Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Benedict Schwarz, II PC, we can help you prepare for your divorce by identifying your priorities, and we will work to achieve them through mediation, negotiation, or litigation. We will do our part to put you in a good financial position to pursue your educational goals after your divorce. Call an experienced and dedicated Kane County divorce attorney today at 630-200-4882 to arrange an initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/divorced-and-going-back-t_b_3813875

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k504.htm