For many people, going back to school after divorce can be an enriching way to increase earning potential. However, there are several things to consider before enrolling in school.
- What are your goals?
Are you hoping to begin a new career? Advance in your current career? Are you planning to earn a degree, a certification, or simply take a few classes? How long will it take? What will you be able to earn when you are finished? Consider your goals in order to develop a plan of action for pursuing your education and to get the most out of returning to school.
- What is the cost?
The cost of education can be intimidating, especially if you are financially strained during and after a divorce. Nevertheless, you have several options for funding your education. Ask your attorney about whether continuing your education post-divorce will affect your alimony. In some cases, rehabilitative alimony may be provided, which can help to lessen the cost of education. If you are currently employed, talk to your employer about whether your company can help cover some or all of the cost of education. Also make sure to speak with the financial aid office at your school. You may be able to apply for grants and loans that will help ease the cost. Finally, keep in mind that there are significant cost differences between schools. Compare tuition prices, and consider looking at your local community college to see if it offers the courses you need.
- What about Your children?
If you have children and are planning to go back to school, you will need to find childcare. This is an extra cost to consider. If you have older children, it may be possible to schedule classes during your children’s school day so that you will be home when your children are home. Additionally, some schools offer online classes that will give you the flexibility to earn your degree or certification from home.
After carefully considering the costs and benefits, many people are successfully able to return to school and increase their earning potential. If you would like to learn more about how to cope with divorce, please contact Linda Sorg Ostovitz at (301) 575-0381 or email lostovitz@offitkurman.com.
ABOUT LINDA SORG OSTOVITZ
Linda Sorg Ostovitz is a family law attorney. Her legal experience spans more than 34 years. In this time, she has served as a leader, educator and advocate. Mrs. Ostovitz holds a prestigious fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Currently, she serves as President for the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, by which she was chosen Woman of Distinction for 2014. Mrs. Ostovitz represents clients in Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Baltimore Counties. Her practice focuses exclusively on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and access, child support, alimony, business valuation, as well as property and asset distribution. In addition to providing legal representation in court, Mrs. Ostovitz provides mediation services to help families come to a fair and legally-sound conclusion outside of the traditional court proceedings.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 120 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our eight offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.
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