Divorce Our Debts

"What?! Why?! We're fine."

"No, we are not fine. We need a divorce."

"But... what's...what's wrong baby? Are you having an affair?"

"No, sweetheart. But this debt is breaking my heart."

"We'll get by."

"Nope. It's gotten out of control, and the only way we can fix this is by calling it quits."

"What are you talking about?!"

"If we get a divorce, I can go back to work and get subsidized help for daycare."

"How is that going to fix things? I love you and--"

"I love you too! You know that, don't you?"

"Yeah, but you want to break up our home?'

"It's better than losing our home. Just listen, hear me out. If I go back to work and you keep working both jobs and going to school, I can put the three youngest in daycare during the day. You'll have to pay child support, and live somewhere cheap though. Maybe move your official address back to your mom's until we get this debt paid down."

"Okay, so you think the only way to pay off the creditors is to split up, let someone else raise our kids, and put me through Family Court?! That's crazy! Why can't I just stay here?"

"Because I don't want to get into trouble for fraud! You can't be here if I'm going to apply for a childcare subsidy, and they require proof of child support. The only way I can work to make enough money to help pay these bills is if the kids are in childcare somewhere. We can't afford all of it out-of-pocket without help, and as it is, you already make too much money to be eligible for a subsidy to cover three children in daycare!"

"I know, but it's like $2000 a month out-of-pocket right?"

"The last time I checked it was close to that. Afterschool care for the older two is free. I hate to think they're going to be latch-key kids for a while, but they're old enough and responsible enough... I guess."

"But baby, this is our family you're talking about and--"

"I'm not saying you can't visit or that we won't get back together. I just can't keep living like this! I'm sick of screening the calls from creditors. I'm sick of the stress and anxiety. I'm sick of being broke. But most of all, baby, I am sick of you working yourself so hard."

"I feel like I've failed you-- us."

"No! Come here. Baby, we've just made some bad financial decisions, and I know how important it is to you for me to be the one at home with the kids if you can't be. It's just too much on you-- on me. And our kids are starting to notice the toll it's taking on us. It's no use fretting over how many kids we have; they are a blessing, and didn't ask to be here. We have to make this right!"

"Alright, what do we do next?"

"Well, your mom said she's feeling well enough to watch the kids tomorrow while I go on some interviews I have scheduled. Don't worry, I timed them so I'll be back in time to pick up the kids from school."

"I guess I'll look into an efficiency apartment nearby or ask my mom if I can stay with her. If I stay with her, I could help her out when her arthritis flares up. You didn't mention this to her did you?"

"No. I didn't think it was my place. I didn't want to hurt your pride."

"I love you. I guess we're getting a divorce."

"I love you too. I'll call a lawyer."