A stay-at-home mom, or SAHM, depends on her spouse for financial support. This makes divorce a daunting prospect. How can you manage your finances during and after separation? What about your retirement fund? Is alimony an option? Seeking a divorce as a SAHM means asking a bunch of money questions — with answers that could get complicated by the divorce itself.
Let’s take a look at how stay-at-home moms can navigate the financial aspects of divorce in Texas.
Figure out the most cost-effective means of divorce for SAHM’s
Whether or not you’re a stay-at-home mom, divorce itself is an expense that can throw a wrench into household finances. Many people assume they need to go to court and hire a pricey lawyer to get a divorce. Thankfully, there are more affordable options, and you never need to accept a bad settlement.
Option 1: Get a DIY divorce
If you and your spouse are separating amicably and can agree on how to divide your assets, you can file for an uncontested divorce in Texas. This means you don’t need to hire an attorney to resolve the conflict. (If you need guidance in crafting your DIY divorce agreements, mediation is a way to get legal help from a trained family law attorney.)
An uncontested divorce can involve decisions about child custody and division of marital property. If you and your soon-to-be ex are on the same page, you can file the paperwork, attend your hearings, and finalize the divorce on your own.
The costs of a DIY divorce typically include the following basic fees:
- Filing fee: This varies by county, but the average filing fee is $350 to $400. Ask the district clerk’s office in the county where you plan to file
Financial hardship may qualify you for a waiver of the filing fee. Submit a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs: Learn more about getting divorce filing fees waived in Texas.
- Issuance fee aka service fee: This is what you pay for service processing (i.e. serving your ex the divorce papers). If you’re separating amicably, though, you could have them sign a Waiver of Service to avoid this cost.
A DIY uncontested divorce can be an easier, more affordable option if you and your soon-to-be-ex are on the same page about the separation. However, we strongly recommend you speak to a family law attorney if:
- you need spousal maintenance or alimony
- there is a current or expected bankruptcy filing
- you have high-value assets
- you are dividing a house, retirement accounts, or employment benefits
- one or both of you owns a business, no matter how small, or intellectual property
- you have a child with a disability or want a custom visitation schedule
- you’re in a same-sex marriage and don’t have adoption paperwork showing you’re both legal parents
Option 2: Collaborative Law or Amicable Divorce
A collaborative divorce can involve mediation or arbitration, both of which are considered Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. Most people stick with mediation, a more affordable way to sort out details about custody, alimony, and more. Mediation is a dispute resolution tool used in traditional divorce, collaborative law divorce, and amicable divorce.
A full day mediation may cost between $2,000 and $7,000, but the parties typically split the cost. The mediator may be a trained attorney or former judge, but this isn’t required. The key is that they’re a neutral party who can help you come to an agreement without the expense of litigation.
For more complex situations or when mediation is unsuccessful, you’d move on to arbitration or litigation. Of course, the more people involved, the more expensive it gets.
Reach out to Alexandra Geczi Family Law to request a no-obligation consultation. We’ll see if your situation would be a good match for our services.
Option 3: Litigation Funded by Your Ex
If all else fails, or if you know your divorce will be contested, you may have to go into divorce litigation. However, this doesn’t always mean you’ll be on the hook for hefty legal costs. Depending on your unique situation, your soon-to-be-ex spouse may be responsible for attorneys’ fees, or the community estate would cover the costs of divorce.
It’s best to reach out to a family law attorney to explore your options. Our firm prioritizes your well-being and safety, rather than leaning into the drama and conflict of divorce. We strive to create an equitable resolution for our divorce clients, backed by full compassion with zero judgment. Learn more about our divorce services in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
How a SAHM prepares for financial separation
As a stay-at-home mom or homemaker, you’ve been financially dependent on your spouse. The most important step for separation is preparation. Divorce as a SAHM or homemaker calls for you to get proactive! Start by gathering documents to gain insights into your marital estate and financial picture.
Gather paperwork before starting the divorce process:
- Bank statements (for children/dependents as well)
- Loan/credit documents and statements
- Employment records (pay stubs, I-9s)
- Income tax returns
- Investment account statements
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- Pension information
- Retirement savings accounts
- Social Security statements
- Wills and trust agreements
- Vehicle titles
Plan your household budget
You’re still in a single-income situation, but now, you’re transitioning from your spouse’s income to your income. Perhaps you’ve already been managing the household expenses and feel confident creating a budget. If not, that’s okay! Here’s a quick rundown of how to create a household budget, including common expenses and your potential income as a single parent.
Map out your expenses as a SAHM
Write down absolutely everything you know you’ll need to afford. Don’t underestimate here; it’s better to be honest about what you and your kids need so you can have some wiggle room
Everyday expenses: groceries, household and personal care items, bus passes
Housing expenses: rent/mortgage, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, utilities, storage unit
Automobile expenses: car payment, auto insurance, maintenance, gas and tolls
Health expenses: prescription meds, health insurance premiums and co-pays, therapy costs, gym memberships
Kids’ expenses: clothes, activities, school supplies, college savings
Helpful Budget Resources for Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas:
- Average Electricity Costs in Fort Worth, TX
- Cost of Living in Fort Worth, TX 2025
- Average Electricity Costs in Dallas, TX
- Cost of Living in Dallas, TX 2025
Anticipate your income
Stay-at-home moms may qualify for alimony and/or child support from their ex-spouses, since they were financially dependent on them. In Texas, “alimony” could refer to spousal maintenance or contractual alimony. Your unique situation determines which one would apply. Learn the differences between alimony and spousal maintenance.
Per Texas family law, spousal maintenance is capped at $5,000 monthly or 20 percent of your spouse’s average gross monthly income, whichever is less. While the Texas Family Code outlines the prerequisites for spousal maintenance, it may be difficult to actually have a judge award it to you. Keep that in mind when creating your budget.
Many SAHMs find they need to bring in money from other sources, even if they receive money from their ex. You may be looking for a job, but in the meantime, look for flexible earning opportunities, such as gig work or creative commissions.
Heads Up: Steer clear of anything that makes you pay to earn, such as MLM, also known as network marketing or direct sales. These companies often target single moms and divorcees.)
Create your financial cushion as a SAHM
Once you have your plan for income and expenses, it’s time to save, save, save.
Strive to set aside at least 3 months’ worth of living expenses (household costs, groceries, etc.). Save as much as you can before starting the divorce process but don’t let that hold you back from leaving a toxic situation. You can ask friends and family to help support you or take out a loan or charge credit cards during this transition, too.
Many SAHMs wonder, “What about retirement?” Often, retirement accounts are linked to the primary earner’s employer. While there are options for self-funded retirement, remember that in Texas his money is also your money. You are entitled to the contributions to your shared retirement funds. This goes for investments and other savings as well. As always, consult a divorce attorney for clearer insights into your situation. A family law judge will strive to create an equitable division of marital assets, including retirement funds.
That said, don’t feel pressure to open your own retirement account. Even self-funded options such as IRAs are limited. That money often can’t be touched without tax penalties. SAHMs may find it’s better to invest in liquid assets such as cash savings or high yield accounts. This way, you have money for your kids’ college or a new house, and you can still save for your golden years as well. Focus on building a nest egg for now, especially as you’re navigating divorce.
Tip: Working with a financial planner can help make this process easier. A financial professional can help you decide how to allocate your resources to best meet your goals.
Heads Up: Even if you’re expecting decent alimony or settlement funds from your ex, prioritize your savings rather than “getting rich.” Don’t fall for “financial advisors” who want you to pay money to help you “build wealth.” Look for high-yield savings accounts with no minimum balance.
Take a deeper dive into managing a single-income household: Read our blog ”Becoming the Breadwinner: How to Achieve Financial Stability After Divorce.”
Wrapping Up
Divorcing as a stay-at-home-mom or homemaker can be scary, but remember: you have options, and you don’t have to go it alone — even if you DIY your divorce! There are many, many free resources and support groups online, and you can get help from legal professionals without going to court.
See what could be ideal for your situation. Connect with the empathetic team at Alexandra Geczi Family Law; we’re committed to your empowerment. Schedule a discovery call to learn more about our divorce mediation and family law services.