If you are like most people who are ready to get divorced, you want the process to go as fast as possible. You are prepared to move on to the next stage of your life, and you aren’t the least bit interested in a drawn-out legal battle. You want to reach an agreement that allows you to move forward, and you don’t want to spend more time than is necessary thinking about your divorce.
We understand completely.
We focus on helping our clients navigate the divorce process efficiently without unnecessary complications. We also work closely with our clients to help them make intelligent decisions and find amicable solutions that avoid the need to go to court. If you are getting ready to get divorced, there are some steps you can take to streamline the process, too—and while there are no guarantees, taking these steps now should help make the process quicker and less stressful.
How You Can Help Streamline the Divorce Process
So, what can you do to resolve your divorce quickly? Here are seven tips from Gurnee divorce lawyer Deanna J. Bowen:
1. Start Gathering the Documents You Will Need
An excellent way to get started is by gathering the documents you need during the divorce process. You can use this list to collect many documents you will need to make informed decisions about property division, alimony, and child support. With that said, if you have any other documents that you think might be relevant, you should collect copies of these as well. Everyone’s circumstances are unique so that you could have additional records vital for your divorce.
As you collect the documents you will need, it will be helpful to keep them organized—and it is a good idea to keep a list. This way, you will know what you have (and what you don’t), and your lawyer can review your list to determine what additional documents are needed.
2. Start Thinking About Your Priorities
Now is also an excellent time to start thinking about your priorities. To reach an agreed divorce, you and your spouse must make compromises. So, if you can start thinking through your options now, this will allow you to be prepared should you need to make decisions about things like keeping certain items but not others.
3. Make Sure an Agreed Divorce Seems Like the Right Choice for You
Finalizing a divorce as quickly as possible typically means pursuing an agreed divorce. This is just like it sounds—you and your spouse will agree on the terms of your divorce so that you can bring your marriage to an end. But, while an agreed divorce makes sense in many circumstances, it isn’t necessarily right for everyone. Here are seven essential factors to consider.
4. Go Into Your Divorce with a Plan and an Open Mind
If an agreed divorce makes sense for your circumstances, it will be essential to go into your divorce with both a plan and an open mind. A plan will allow you to move through the process efficiently and make critical decisions without unnecessary delays.
Having an open mind will allow you to adapt if things don’t go according to plan or if you aren’t sure exactly how your spouse will approach certain aspects of your divorce. For example, if your spouse unexpectedly says he or she wants to keep an item you wish to stay, being prepared for this will allow you to make a rational decision based on what is best for you long-term. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to focus on keeping something else instead, or you might be able to consider giving up something else that means just as much to your spouse.
5. Talk to a Divorce Lawyer
Getting ready for a divorce can be stressful and intimidating, as the process is unfamiliar to most people. The stress and uncertainty involved can lead to indecision, which can make the process take longer than it needs to.
With this in mind, we recommend talking to a divorce lawyer sooner rather than later. An experienced divorce lawyer will be able to explain everything you need to know and walk you through the process of thoroughly preparing for your divorce. This way, you can approach your divorce with confidence and rely on your lawyer to help keep the process moving forward as efficiently as possible.
6. Be Prepared to Work Closely with Your Divorce Lawyer
Once you start the process, working closely with your divorce lawyer will be key to keeping it moving. It would help if you did not hesitate to contact your lawyer when you have questions and responded promptly when your lawyer has questions for you.
7. Prioritize Your Divorce During the Process
Finally, you can also help ensure your divorce goes as fast as possible by prioritizing the divorce process. If you think about the issues involved, talk to your lawyer, and meet for face-to-face discussions, you can avoid unnecessarily dragging out the process. While you certainly shouldn’t ignore your other priorities entirely, if you can give your divorce the time and attention it deserves, you can help bring your marriage to a close efficiently so you can move on with your life.
Request a Free Consultation with Gurnee Divorce Lawyer Deanna J. Bowen
Do you have questions about starting the divorce process in Illinois? If so, we invite you to contact us. To request a free, no-obligation consultation with Gurnee divorce lawyer Deanna J. Bowen, call us at 847-623-4002 or submit our online contact form today.
