6 Important Steps to Take When Preparing for Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on February 17, 2021 in Divorce

Going through a divorce is likely to be one of the most difficult things you ever do. Fortunately, divorce is also an opportunity to start anew and build a better future. There are several things that you can do now to make the divorce process go more smoothly. If you are planning for divorce, these actions will not ensure a pain-free divorce; however, they may help you avoid mistakes that can make the divorce process more difficult than it needs to be.

Tips for Planning for Divorce

If you are planning to end your marriage, but you have not yet filed for divorce, there are many things you can do now to help prevent unnecessary stress and complications. Hiring an attorney who is experienced in handling the divorce issues you will likely encounter is one of the best first steps that you can take. Additionally, it may be a good idea to:

• Take stock of your financial situation. Gather financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, and loan documents. Assess the assets and liabilities you and your spouse currently own.

• Inventory your personal property and take photographs of important assets. Unfortunately, property that has financial or sentimental value sometimes goes missing during divorce.

• Start to think about what you want to accomplish through the divorce. You and your spouse will need to address divorce issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal maintenance. What issues do you feel most strongly about, and what issues are you willing to compromise on? Having a clear picture of your goals and priorities will put you in a much better position during discussions with your spouse as you negotiate a divorce settlement.

• Research alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and collaborative law. These methods may help you and your spouse reach a marital settlement agreement without a contentious court battle.

• Make a plan for talking to your children about your divorce. If you have kids, telling them about the divorce is likely to be one of the hardest conversations you ever have. Depending on the children’s age, it is possible that they will remember the conversation for the rest of their lives. It is important to have an idea of what you want to say.

• Build your support system. Make a list of people you know that you can count on. The list may contain family members, friends, counselors or therapists, spiritual or religious leaders, and anyone else that can provide support during your divorce.

Contact a Naperville Family Law Attorney

A DuPage County divorce lawyer from Pesce Law Group, P.C. can answer your questions about what to expect during your divorce, explore resolution methods with you, and help you prepare for divorce as best as possible. Call our office at 630-352-2240 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/093015/divorce-planning-checklist-what-you-need-know.asp