How the U.S. Childcare Crisis is Affecting Divorce and Custody in PA
Nationwide, a childcare crisis is impacting families, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Finding affordable childcare is becoming increasingly difficult, with many families paying more for childcare than housing. The impact of the Child Care Crisis creates severe financial, physical, and psychological stressors on families. During separation, divorce, and custody conflicts, childcare issues can become even more acute and must be considered by savvy family law attorneys.
If you are going through a separation, divorce, or custody issue in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. We will advise you on all aspects of your case, including issues on the cost and availability of childcare during this challenging time. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
The U.S. Childcare Crisis
A recent study found that 47 percent of American parents spend up to $18,000 a year on childcare expenses, and 1 in 5 of these parents spend more than $36,000 a year on childcare. The average American family spends 24 percent of their income on childcare, and in many states, the cost of childcare exceeds the cost of housing. The high cost of childcare is putting financial stress on parents and families.
Despite the high cost of childcare, Pennsylvania is having difficulty recruiting and retaining childcare and early childhood education teachers, leading to a childcare crisis of both cost and a lack of availability. The ramifications of the childcare crisis go far beyond financial concerns. Good quality childcare is a strong determinant of child health and reduces economic and emotional stress on the parents.
How Divorce or Custody Issues Deepen Childcare Concerns
As tricky as childcare issues are for dual-parent homes, the challenges for single parents are even more profound and more complex. Parents going through separation and divorce often overlook the increased cost of childcare when planning for child custody and child support. An experienced family law attorney will encourage the parties to consider the cost of childcare before agreeing to child support or finalizing a time-sharing plan. If one parent has been absent from the workforce for an extended period, they may have unrealistic expectations of the cost of childcare. Finally, many families have found it helpful to plan for days when a child is ill or unable to attend school or childcare, which often necessitates one parent’s absence from work.
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help
If you are going through a harrowing divorce or an emotional child custody issue in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm can help you plan for the high cost of childcare in your parenting and property division plans. We understand the stressors on Pennsylvania families, and we are here to help. We may not be able to solve the childcare crisis, but we can advise you on factoring the high cost of childcare into your long-term financial and time-sharing planning. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form, and we will reach out to you.