When couples enter a marriage, it is not unusual for one spouse to give up a career or reduce his or her work hours to focus on supporting the household. This often entails staying home to raise children, managing daily responsibilities, or assisting the other spouse’s career growth. While these choices can strengthen a marriage, they may create financial hardships if the relationship ends in divorce.
If you gave up your career during your marriage and are now going through a divorce, you might be concerned about how that decision affects your financial rights. Fortunately, Illinois law recognizes the economic contributions of stay-at-home spouses and can provide relief through spousal maintenance and equitable property division. A St. Charles family law attorney can help ensure that your sacrifices are considered when determining a fair outcome.