Should Divorcees Go Back to School?

 Posted on August 18, 2019 in Divorce

August is back-to-school time for children – as well as for some adults. If you have recently divorced, it may be imperative that you find a job that will allow you to support yourself. You may be required to do so if you are receiving spousal maintenance. Continuing education can help you start a new career or qualify for better-paying positions in your current career. However, it is also an investment of time and money that may not be worth it in some cases. Before starting on the path towards a degree or certification, you should consider your options.

Is College Necessary?

Taking college classes is expensive. Even being a part-time student at a community college can cost thousands of dollars per semester. You should explore whether you qualify for financial aid or scholarships. A court can include job training and continuing education expenses when awarding spousal maintenance. Before looking into payment options, you should evaluate whether attending college will improve your chances of getting a new job. You can ask a career counselor whether there are alternative ways to improve your skills and make yourself a better candidate.

Finding the Right Fit

If it has been years or decades since you attended school, going back will be a new experience. Most adults need to fit their school schedule around their work and family schedules. Colleges offer flexibility through classes scheduled on evenings and weekends and available online. When deciding between available colleges, you should ask yourself:

• Which colleges offer degrees or certificates that match my career goals?;
• Are the required classes available at times that are reasonable for me?;
• Does the college offer any career placement services?; and
• Could I receive a similar degree or certificate at a community college instead of a four-year school?

Online degree programs can be attractive for people who want to earn their degree in their spare time. However, there are risks involved. Some for-profit online schools offer degree programs that sound attractive but have not helped graduates get the jobs they want. Former students are instead left with debts that they struggle to repay.

Contact a Kane County Divorce Attorney

Though your career may benefit from going back to school, you must be cautious about incurring large expenses or debts following a divorce. A divorce agreement can help you create a plan to pay for school. A St. Charles, Illinois, divorce lawyer at Goostree Law Group can negotiate a divorce agreement that considers your continuing education needs. Schedule a free consultation by calling 630-584-4800.

Source:

https://www.theadventurouswriter.com/quipstipsrelationships/back-to-school-after-getting-divorced/