If you are preparing for a divorce, there are several steps you will want to take to ensure that you are as prepared as possible. At the same time, there are some all-too-common mistakes that you will want to be careful to avoid. With this in mind, here are some important “dos and don’ts” for preparing for a divorce in Illinois:
DO: Learn About the Divorce Process
If you are preparing to go through a divorce in Illinois, you will want to learn about the divorce process. Knowing what to expect will not only help you make informed decisions but also help you feel comfortable and confident along the way. Our blog contains a wealth of information, and we encourage you to read the articles most relevant to your specific family and financial circumstances.
DON’T: Overwhelm Yourself with Information
While we encourage you to learn about divorce, we encourage you to keep your information manageable. There is a lot of information out there, and the more you know, the more questions you are likely to have. So, while it can be helpful to learn the basics, you don’t need to understand everything, and you can (and should) rely on your divorce lawyer to provide you with the detailed information you need.
DO: Gather as Many Relevant Documents as Possible
You will need to gather several documents for your divorce. Gathering all the documents you need can take time (and it can be a very tedious task), so we encourage you to start now and tackle this part of the process a little bit at a time. If you spend thirty minutes or an hour collecting your records here and there, you will have everything you need before you know it.
DON’T: Stress Over Any Documents You Can’t Find
With that said, if you can’t find any of the documents you need, you should not let this stress you out. It would be best to not spend hours locating a single document at this stage. Once you hire a divorce lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to ensure you have all the documents you need. So, do your best, but don’t spend excessive time.
DO: Start Thinking About Your Priorities
No one gets everything in a divorce. Let’s get that out of the way up front. Both spouses need to make compromises during the divorce process, and this means that both spouses need to think carefully about what matters most.
Given that this is the case, now is an excellent time to start thinking about your priorities. Do you want to stay in the family home after your divorce? Do you have prized possessions that you can’t live without? Or are you more interested in getting a fresh start? These essential questions require careful consideration with your long-term needs and wishes in mind.
DON’T: Commit Yourself to One Specific Outcome
While it is essential to start thinking about your priorities, it is equally important not to commit yourself to one specific outcome at this stage. For example, if there are specific assets you want to keep or if you have particular ideas regarding your post-divorce parenting plan, it will be essential to maintain some flexibility in your mindset. While this is partially about being willing to compromise, it is also partially about keeping an open mind to better alternatives that might be available.
DO: Learn About Your Options
From deciding how to divide your marital assets to resolving any disputes, you must weigh your options at various stages during the divorce process. These days, divorcing spouses in Illinois have many options available, and it is crucial to ensure that you are considering all of your options so that you don’t leave opportunities on the table.
DON’T: Make Assumptions About How the Divorce Process Will Go
In this same vein, it is vital to avoid making assumptions about how the divorce process will go. You can—and should—play an integral role in defining it every step of the way. Under Illinois law, both spouses have equal rights. When disputes arise during the divorce process, divorcing spouses have various options for achieving favorable outcomes without going to court.
DO: Speak with an Illinois Divorce Lawyer
Far too often, spouses contemplating a divorce wait far too long to seek advice from an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer. If you are seriously considering a divorce (or if you have committed yourself to bringing your marriage to an end), the time to speak with a divorce lawyer is now. From explaining the process to assisting with collecting relevant documents and helping you prioritize to helping you decide how and when you want to proceed, there are many essential ways an experienced divorce lawyer can help regardless of where you are in the planning process.
DON’T: Try to Handle Your Situation on Your Own
Finally, given the importance of working closely with an experienced divorce lawyer, you should refrain from trying to handle your situation alone. If you do, you could make mistakes that negatively impact your life for years (if not decades). An experienced divorce lawyer will help you navigate the process as efficiently as possible and will do so with your best interests in mind.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Illinois Divorce Lawyer Deanna J. Bowen
Deanna J. Bown is an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer who has guided countless spouses through every step of the divorce process. She can help ensure you have all the information and documents you need if you are preparing for a divorce. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us at 847-623-4002 or request an appointment online today.
