When you start noticing cracks starting to form in the foundation of your marriage, it can be difficult to accept what that means. If you ignore them long enough, your marriage may reach its end. Realizing your marriage is over can be one of the most emotionally destructive moments of your entire life. From then on, you have many different things to do to completely sever ties with your spouse. A Chicago divorce lawyer can help you make sure you have a plan throughout it.

Getting Divorced Can Be Emotionally Devastating

While the overall process of getting divorced can be different depending on whether or not your divorce is contested or uncontested, it is likely that no matter what, you are going to have a rough time dealing with everything. You are probably going to make some mistakes. You may even embarrass yourself a few times. Throughout it all, it is important never to lose focus on why you are pursuing a divorce. A good lawyer can help you stay on the right path.

As you navigate the divorce process, you should constantly be prioritizing your own mental and emotional health. Otherwise, things can get even harder for you. To start, you should immediately consider hiring an experienced divorce lawyer to help you handle the details of your case. That way, you can refocus your energy on moving forward, being there for your kids, and adjusting to a new normal. It won’t be easy, but it’s something you need to do.

Don’t forget that a divorce is not something that just affects you. It impacts your job performance, your social circle, and especially the rest of your family. If you have kids, explaining the divorce to them can be particularly difficult. You need to remove your spouse from your life in more ways than one, such as separating finances and figuring out a co-parenting relationship going forward. Your lawyer can help you accomplish all of this and more.

According to data polled by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), over 71,600 people who participated in their poll identified as part of a married couple. Additionally, the CDC’s 2022 health statistics list the divorce rate at around 1.1 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the lowest in the nation. Many people struggle with accepting their divorce. If you are having such problems, you may want to speak with a local support group like DivorceCare. They can help.

How to Make Things Easier for You

People generally want to end their divorce as amicably as possible and without losing too much money in the process. If you start to stumble and lose sight of what’s important, you could end up losing more in your divorce than you thought possible. While your lawyer can help you with the technical aspects and various legal paperwork, there are some things you will just have to do for yourself. Here are some things you can do to make your divorce a little easier on yourself:

  • First and foremost, you should never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Going through a divorce is a big life event that can change you emotionally. By the time you or your spouse files for divorce, you may have been dealing with resentment, abuse, infidelity, or something else. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you and want to help you can make all the difference as you struggle to move forward after divorce.
  • Don’t be afraid to establish boundaries right at the start. Once you get divorced, your spouse is no longer your responsibility. They may try to continue to be a featured player in your life. It’s up to you to decide if you are comfortable with that. Just remember that you are allowed to cut them out of your life if that’s what you want. If you have to co-parent, you are only required to be civil. You don’t have to go beyond that.

FAQs

Q: Does Infidelity Affect Asset Division in Illinois?

A: No, infidelity generally does not affect asset division in Illinois. Since Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, you don’t need to prove that somebody caused the marriage to end. Assets are divided through equitable distribution, meaning each spouse gets a fair split of the assets. However, if you can prove that your spouse used marital funds to further their affair, that can be considered wrongful action by the court and could turn things in your favor.

Q: Which Parent Gets Custody in an Illinois Divorce?

A: There is no way to immediately tell which parent gets custody before divorce proceedings have started. In Illinois, each parent is thought to have equal responsibility for their children. In order to determine who gets primary custody, the court must consider many different contributing factors, including the bond each parent has with the child and who can provide the most stable home life. The court may push for joint custody if possible.

Q: How Important Is a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Depending on your situation, a divorce lawyer may be the most important element of your case. If your divorce is uncontested and being decided amicably, you may not need to hire a divorce lawyer to help you through it. However, in a contested divorce, you may rely on your lawyer for almost everything. A contested divorce can be unpredictable and painful. Having the right lawyer by your side can make a considerable difference.

Q: Should I Get Divorced?

A: Only you can answer that question. Everyone who pursues a divorce does so for their own reasons. Everybody has their own breaking point, and it can be hard to accept when you’ve reached yours. You shouldn’t let anybody tell you that your boundaries aren’t worth preserving. If you feel that you have lost trust and love in your partner, then a divorce may be the only option left for you.

Contact a Lawyer Today

The legal team at Stange Law Firm knows how tough it can be to move forward with a divorce, but we can help make it easier on you every step of the way. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.