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You're Separated, Now What?
By Catherine Kelly
You and your spouse have made the decision to separate. You have both agreed it would be best for the children to stay living in the family home. One of you will need to move out, but who? Usually, if one of the parents stays at home with the children during the day, the other parent will move out. But this is of course a decision that the two of you will need to make after carefully considering all of your options.
Depending on your financial circumstances, your home may need to be sold. Spring is a great time to list a house for sale but you will want the buyers to have a possession date after June 30th so that the kids can finish out the school year in the same home. Providing your children with as much stability as possible during the separation period is integral to their well-being. If you can afford to keep the family home that would be beneficial for the children.
Once you or your spouse has vacated your home, you will want to ensure that all of the bills continue to be paid. Usually the person who remains in the family home will be responsible for paying the mortgage and the utility expenses. If you are remaining in the home and you are the parent primarily responsible for caring for the children, you will likely receive child support from your spouse. The amount of support is based on your spouse's income according to The Child Support Guidelines. These are guidelines which have been made into law. To confirm what you will likely receive if both you and your spouse continue to reside in Manitoba visit the Department of Justice website.
Basic child support can be supplemented when a parent incurs extra expenses related to the following:
- Child care;
- Medical and dental insurance premiums;
- Orthodontic treatment, counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy and prescription drugs, hearing aids, glasses and contact lenses;
- Extraordinary expenses for primary or secondary school education or other educational programs;
- Post-secondary education;
- Extraordinary expenses for extracurricular activities.
You may also be entitled to spousal support. To confirm whether you qualify for either child or spousal support you will want to consult with a family lawyer.
Finances are often an area of contention for spouses. Remember that two households will now be run on the same income that one household was previously operated on. You will also be incurring additional expenses such as legal and counseling fees which will need to be budgeted for. Conscience spending is wise. Learning to enjoy simple activities with your children will not only save you money but will build solid bonds with them. You may be surprised by your blossoming creativity as you learn to manage your home on a tight budget. Both you and your children will benefit by the new skills which you will develop. Your family is being transformed!
Related Articles:
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You're Separated, Now What?
Is it time for THAT talk with your teen daughter?
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