One of the hardest decisions you will ever make in your life is deciding whether or not to end your marriage. Whatever led to this decision, your reasons are valid. After all, nobody knows or appreciates your boundaries better than you do. Even if you are certain in your decision to divorce, that doesn’t mean the process won’t be painful. Once it’s over, you should focus on moving forward. A Chicago divorce lawyer can help you discover what help you need..

It’s important that you understand how difficult this process may be for you. It’s highly unlikely you ever prepared for this. Marriage is supposed to be forever, but that doesn’t always happen. Your divorce will likely be emotional, confusing, enraging, painful, and financially draining, especially if it ends up being contested. That’s why it’s vital that you hire the right lawyer to help you figure out how and when to get divorced.

Hiring the Right Divorce Lawyer

Throughout this process, hiring the right divorce lawyer can be a decision you will come to truly appreciate. The right lawyer’s help can prove to be invaluable, especially if your spouse has chosen to be vindictive about every element of the process. The legal team at Stange Law Firm has helped many clients across the country figure out the details of their divorces and emerge relatively unscathed. We can bring personal, empathetic, and focused help to your case.

You may want to consider the divorce and marriage rates in Illinois, if only to validate your decision to divorce and to feel less lonely in that decision. According to recent data from the CDC, Illinois has a low divorce rate of 1.2 per 1,000 people in 2023. However, the rate of marriage is high, with over 50% of people identifying as married in a recent poll from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). You’re not alone in this.

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you really need it. This whole ordeal can negatively affect your mental health in multiple ways. You may want to speak with a local group that focuses on helping divorced individuals, such as DivorceCare or The Lilac Tree. Having someone to talk to who has been through something similar can be beneficial to your own healing journey. It can be good just to have some place where you can talk through things.

Moving Ahead After Divorce

It won’t be easy to accept the end of your marriage, even if you’re the one who filed. Everyone’s healing journey is different, and everyone figures things out at their own pace. It won’t be easy to get over everything quickly, but it’s important that you don’t withdraw from people or wallow. These are not healthy approaches to healing. Instead, you should prioritize healthy coping mechanisms and develop a positive mindset. Here are some ways you can start doing that:

  • A divorce can show you how to identify red flags when you start dating again. While you may not be ready to jump back into the dating scene immediately, you may be better-equipped to recognize toxic traits that you don’t want to deal with for a second time. In fact, you may want to take this time to choose some traits you want to prioritize, such as financial compatibility. Shared values are important.
  • If the marriage was particularly one-sided and caused you stress, you may find yourself feeling confident and optimistic for the first time in a long time. Getting out of a bad relationship can do wonders for your self-confidence. Embrace change as it occurs and look forward to new and exciting things. You may have new opportunities for the first time in years, maybe even decades.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Residency Requirements for Divorce in Illinois?

A: If you want to file for divorce in Illinois, it’s important that you make sure you meet the residency requirements for the state. To divorce in Illinois, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the state for a certain period of time prior to filing. Your divorce cannot be finalized before the residency requirement is met. The requirements apply to military personnel stationed in Illinois as well.

Q: Can a Divorce Make My Finances Stronger?

A: Yes, a divorce can make your finances stronger. If you were the one making money in the marriage and your spouse wasn’t contributing much, you may have total financial security for the first time in years. You may start building a bit of a safety net for yourself, now that you’re not financing someone else’s lifestyle. In your divorce, you may lose some money in spousal support and asset division, but in the long run, you may be fine.

Q: Can Getting Divorced Positively Affect My Emotional Health?

A: Yes, getting divorced can positively affect your emotional health. If your relationship was toxic, painful, and stressful, getting out of it may be the most positive thing you’ve ever done. You no longer have to answer to someone who puts you down or tries to gaslight you into thinking that you were the problem. You’re free. Embrace it. Take a trip, start a hobby, reconnect with old friends, and do whatever you want. Freedom can greatly affect your emotional health.

Q: Will I Need a Lawyer?

A: Yes, you will need a lawyer. Choosing the right divorce lawyer can prove to be the most important choice you can make for your divorce. The right lawyer’s help can be indispensable, especially if your divorce ends up being contested, which isn’t rare. A good lawyer can help you talk things through, anticipate setbacks, and ensure that you don’t get taken advantage of.

Reach Out to Our Firm Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can point you in the right direction. We know how to figure out the right course of action for your divorce and help you prepare for what comes after. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about all the ways we can help your case.