Moving on from your divorce can be just as difficult as the divorce itself. You may not be totally prepared for the way the aftermath of a divorce can make you feel. During the divorce itself, you may not know exactly what to expect. It’s important that you prepare yourself for anything. Divorce can be just as hard on the one who files as it is on the one who is served with the papers. As the divorce process begins, you may want to ask a Chicago divorce lawyer for help.
There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging the difficulty of your divorce. Nobody is expecting you to be okay with everything all at once, just like nobody ever enters into a marriage expecting to one day get divorced. This may be uncharted territory for you, and that’s understandable. The right divorce lawyer can help you figure out a path forward for your divorce and help you deal with legalities that may arise unexpectedly.
Getting Divorced in Illinois
Regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, your divorce might not be easy. If your divorce is uncontested, you will likely have a much easier time figuring out asset division, alimony, child custody, and every other aspect in an amicable way. A lawyer can come into play when your divorce is contested. In contested divorces, everything has the potential to be an uphill struggle as your ex acts combatively and makes things difficult for you.
Throughout it all, you may feel a sense of mourning or a loss of control. It’s normal to feel this way, as you may effectively be grieving the relationship you thought you knew. As you navigate the divorce process, it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be unsure of yourself. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. It’s also if you just want everything to be over with. Everyone’s divorce unfolds differently according to their own needs.
According to information gathered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), over 71,600 people who were polled by the IDPH claimed to be married. Similarly, the CDC’s information from 2022 lists the state’s divorce rate as significantly low, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents.
It’s not uncommon to feel emotionally conflicted during your divorce. It may be a good idea to speak with a local support group like DivorceCare. They can help you figure out a path forward.
Tips to Make Your Divorce Easier
Navigating a divorce can be messy, complicated, and painful for you. You will have to perform many different tasks that you may never have expected to deal with, such as dividing your marital assets, working on a parenting plan, and figuring out spousal support payments. As you deal with the big-picture tasks, the smaller, more personal tasks may start to fall through the cracks. A good lawyer can help you schedule and perform these tasks in a timely manner.
Here are some tips for your divorce:
- Few things can be as beneficial during a divorce as a strong support system. As you deal with what could be a troubled series of events, it may be good for you to lean on those who want to see you succeed. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances can make you feel better about this situation by simply being there for you.
- Establishing clear boundaries with your ex can be a source of personal strength. Even after enduring a divorce, they may still feel like they deserve a spot in the new life you are trying to build for yourself. It’s up to you to decide what you want. If you do not want your ex to have a spot in your life, you should hold that boundary. If you have to co-parent with your ex, this can be much harder to accomplish.
FAQs
Q: Why Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
A: There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a divorce lawyer to help with your case. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you by taking control of your case, allowing you more time to focus on establishing clear goals for your future and moving on from your marriage. Your lawyer can handle paperwork, make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, and keep your interests protected throughout your case.
Q: How Is Child Custody Determined in Illinois?
A: Child custody is determined in Illinois by the family court. While the court must look into multiple contributing factors to determine custody, they are obligated to do whatever is considered right for the child. The court will look into each parent’s financial situation, any applicable criminal history, their current home life, and whether they have been a consistent parent in the child’s life thus far.
Q: How Are Marital Assets Distributed in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, marital assets are divided through an equitable distribution model. In this model, the court looks at multiple factors to determine a fair split of the marital assets to each spouse. Fair doesn’t always mean equal, and it’s likely that one spouse may feel like they are not receiving their fair share. Ultimately, the court will make the final determination.
Q: Should I Get Divorced?
A: You are the only one who can answer that question. Your divorce likely did not come out of nowhere. It may be the culmination of years of pent-up resentment, anger, and regret, among other feelings. If you feel like trust is no longer present in your relationship, divorce may be the right option for you. In the end, you’re the only one who knows what you truly want.
Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today
Getting divorced won’t be easy, and it’s important that you take care of yourself throughout the process. A good divorce lawyer can help you prioritize self-care and give you important tips during the process.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands how difficult it can be to get divorced. We can help you put together your case and emerge relatively unscathed. Contact us to speak to a divorce lawyer on our team about your case.
