4 Ways to Prepare for a Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on December 06, 2021 in Divorce

The decision to pursue a divorce is usually not an easy one. However, if your relationship with your spouse has broken down, ending your marriage may be the best option for you, your children, and your family. Rather than living in a tension-filled home and dealing with the stress of regular arguments or disagreements over finances and child-related issues, you can make plans to leave this situation and live a happier, more fulfilling life. As you get ready to end your marriage, you can make the process easier by taking steps to prepare for the divorce process and ensure that you will be ready to address the legal and financial issues involved in ending your marriage.

1. Start Saving Money

Your divorce itself will involve a number of expenses, including legal fees, court costs, and money that will be paid to the attorney you hire to represent you. As you prepare to make changes to your living arrangements, you may also encounter a variety of other expenses. You may need to address moving costs and put money toward rent or mortgage payments, utilities, purchasing new furniture or appliances, and other household expenses. To ensure that you will have the financial resources you need, you can begin saving money ahead of time. However, it is important to understand that the money you save will be considered marital property, and you may be required to divide these funds with your spouse along with other assets that the two of you own together.

2. Gather Financial Information

Separating your finances from your spouse can be a complex process, so you will want to gain a full understanding of your assets and debts, as well as the income that you each earn. Compiling information such as bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, credit card statements, retirement account statements, and other financial documents will provide you with important details about your family’s finances. This will ensure that you will be prepared to make decisions about the division of assets and debts during the divorce process.

3. Consider the Approach to Take

While divorce can be an adversarial process, it does not have to be. Depending on how well you and your spouse are able to communicate and cooperate with each other, you may be able to use mediation to resolve the legal issues during your divorce, or you may be able to negotiate a workable divorce settlement with the help of your respective attorneys. By taking the time to understand your needs and goals, you can determine the best course of action that will allow you to complete your divorce more quickly and with minimal conflict.

4. Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Consulting with an attorney is one of the most important steps to take when preparing for divorce. A lawyer can advise you on the approach that will ensure that you will be able to resolve your legal issues successfully and complete the divorce process as efficiently as possible. They can also help you identify any potential conflicts that may arise, ensure that you understand how the law will apply to your situation, and help you meet all of your requirements as you file for divorce and proceed with the legal process. 

At Goostree Law Group, we will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case and help you determine how to proceed, and with a certified divorce coach on staff, we can provide the guidance you need throughout the divorce process. Contact a Wheaton divorce lawyer today by calling 630-364-4046.

Sources:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/7-ways-to-prepare-your-finances-for-divorce

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59