Changing jobs following a divorce
The finalization of divorce represents new, albeit separate, chapters in the lives of former spouses. New parameters can create complications, particularly when one spouse is paying child and spousal support.
Jobs can be lost, just as new career opportunities can arise. Switching to a position where the salary is higher or lower, not to mention other financial incentives and year-end bonuses, will likely affect support calculations.
Divorce is already a time of significant change. Starting a new career during a divorce may not be the best strategy. Life has been upended, and the time, energy, and focus required to learn new skills may be too much to process, undermining success with both the new industry pursuit and the divorce.
The potential impact on spousal support
That does not mean failure is inevitable when pursuing new professional positions. Many thrive in their determination to completely reboot their lives. However, it does carry financial consequences and all the risks, particularly regarding the divorce decree. Spousal and child support is meant to maintain a similar lifestyle pre-dissolution, creating uncertainty and economic instability should the paying spouse be laid off.
The possibility of losing a job looms over many employees, many of whom are divorced, particularly when employers and employees emerge from a worldwide pandemic that created financial challenges. Being downsized is something an employee cannot control. However, termination for poor performance or outright misconduct might result in a family law judge ordering that spousal and child support remains the same.
While divorce represents a new chapter, spouses paying financial support to their family must strive to maintain stability. Staying steadily employed and the economic benefits that come with it can help keep the peace with ex-spouses and their children. Career-driven maneuvers meant to pay a lesser amount only serve to increase the tension and unease that already comes with the end of a marriage.
