4 Steps to Take When Preparing for Divorce

 Posted on April 14, 2024 in Divorce

Getting a divorce is a major life event that will require many changes to living arrangements, financial management, daily routines, and more. It requires careful preparation to ensure that legal and financial concerns can be addressed correctly. If you are planning to get divorced, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support. They can help you understand the best steps to take to protect your rights and make sure you will be ready to address the various issues that may arise during your case.

Understanding the Legal Framework for Divorce in Illinois

As you prepare for divorce, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the specific laws that may affect your case. Illinois is a “no-fault divorce” state, meaning that a divorce can be granted without the need to prove wrongdoing by either party. It is also an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that your marital property will be divided between you and your spouse fairly and equitably, but the split does not have to be 50/50. By consulting with a divorce attorney, you can make sure you understand all of the legal issues that will need to be addressed, including child custody, child support, and spousal support.

Once you have a better understanding of the issues that may need to be addressed during your divorce, you can prepare for the process by doing the following:

Step 1: Gather Financial Documents

You will need to address a variety of financial issues during the divorce process. By gathering as much information as possible about the assets you own, the income earned by you and your spouse, and the debts you owe, you can make sure you will be ready to make financial decisions. You can start by compiling financial documents, including:

• Bank statements

• Credit card statements

• Tax returns

• Investment accounts

• Property valuations

• Debt records

This comprehensive financial overview will be crucial to ensure that you will be able to divide your marital property fairly. It can also help you determine how issues related to spousal support and child support will be handled.

Step 2: Consider Your Living Arrangements

You will need to determine whether you and your spouse will continue living in your family home during your divorce or whether either of you will move out. If you choose to find new living arrangements, you will need to understand how this may affect issues related to property division, since the party in possession of the marital home may have a claim over this asset. Living separately from your children could also affect decisions about child custody. By consulting with an attorney, you can make sure you understand the legal effects of your decisions about living arrangements.

Step 3: Plan to Address Child Custody Issues

If you have children, their well-being should be at the forefront of your divorce planning. You may need to gather information showing the role you have played in their lives, including your participation in making important decisions and providing care. This may inform decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.

In most cases, it can be beneficial to create a co-parenting arrangement that will allow both parents to maintain close relationships with your children. By making an effort to cooperate with your spouse to determine how you will make decisions for your children, you can make sure you will both be focused on providing for the best interests of your children. You can also establish parenting time schedules that will allow you both to have sufficient time with your children while also addressing vacations, holidays, and other special days. Your attorney can help you understand the best ways to protect your parental rights, and they can assist in the negotiation of a parenting plan that will meet your family’s needs.

Step 4: Establish a Support Network

The divorce process can be very emotionally taxing. You will want to make sure you will have the tools needed to navigate this process successfully while protecting your emotional well-being. Building a support network of friends, family, and professionals like therapists can provide emotional stability and guidance. You may want to consider joining support groups or engaging in other positive activities, such as working with charitable organizations. Taking care of your mental health will allow you to move forward successfully after completing your divorce.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Attorneys

The divorce process can be a complex and emotional journey, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Farooqi & Husain Law Office, our Oakbrook Terrace divorce lawyers can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We are committed to advocating for your interests and helping you protect your overall well-being. Reach out to us at 630-909-9114 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in ending your marriage successfully.