5 Things to Do in Preparation for Divorce

 Posted on February 09, 2022 in Main

 Divorce can seem like a daunting process. Most people who want to end their marriage have little to no experience handling legal matters and dealing with the court system. The intense emotional toll divorce takes on a person can make it even harder to address the legal, financial, and logistical aspects of the split. If you are at the beginning stages of a divorce, consider reaching out to an experienced lawyer for help. Additionally, take the following steps to prepare yourself for the divorce process.

Learn About Illinois Divorce Laws

Each state has different divorce laws. To make the situation even more confusing, these laws change frequently. One way to boost your confidence and prepare yourself for divorce is to educate yourself about divorce laws in your state. Knowledge is power. Learning about the laws regulating divorce filing, grounds for divorce, property division, child custody, and other applicable divorce issues can help you feel more secure. It can also help you determine the specific challenges your divorce case may entail. Our own E-Book “MKFM Law’s Common-Sense Guide To A Successful Divorce,” is a great resource that is available for purchase on Amazon. You can also get a complimentary copy by simply sending a request to [email protected].   

Determine Your Living Arrangements

Living arrangements during a separation or divorce can be tricky. Many divorcing spouses hesitate to move out due to financial concerns or because they have children. They may also worry that moving out of the marital home will make them less likely to get the home in the divorce. Evaluate your financial situation and consider the pros and cons of various living arrangements.

Tell The Children About the Split

One of the hardest parts of divorce involving children is telling the kids about the split. There is no avoiding the fact that the conversation will be difficult. Fortunately, there are many resources available online to help parents with this difficult discussion. A family therapist may also be useful in a situation like this. Most experts suggest that divorcing parents sit down with all of their children and tell them the news together as a family.  

Evaluate and Organize Your Finances

Divorce will likely influence your financial situation considerably. It is always a good idea to assess your income, expenses, assets, and debts prior to divorce. This helps you determine what your post-divorce budget may look like. Gather copies of financial documents like tax forms, pay stubs bank statements, and credit card statements as you will likely need these during the financial disclosure portion of the divorce.

Retain Qualified Legal Counsel

A skilled divorce lawyer can help you understand what to expect during divorce and explore your options. He or she can provide support, advice, and guidance as you navigate the process of ending your marriage. Even if the split is relatively amicable and you do not expect the case to be contested, dealing with legal paperwork, meeting deadlines, and determining the divorce terms can be difficult to accomplish without help.

Contact a Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

If you are ready to end your marriage, the talented DuPage County divorce attorneys at MKFM can help. Call 630-665-7300 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV%2DA&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=5400000&SeqEnd=6200000#:~:text=dissolution%20of%20marriage%20permanently%20adjudicates,to%20appeal%2C%20except%20that%20neither