Preparing for Your Divorce
If you ask five family members or friends for advice on what to do in preparing for your divorce, you are likely to get five different answers. This is not because any of them wrong necessarily, but because there are many important factors to consider and steps to take. Similarly, the Internet is replete with advice and checklists for divorcing individuals, but before you take action, it is important to take stock of what you have, what you want, and what it will take to get there.
Save Some Money
As you get ready to file your petition for divorce, you will need to have some money put aside for a variety of expenses. This is especially true if you have become accustomed to a lifestyle reliant on two incomes. Very soon, you will be forced to be self-reliant, and if your monthly income cannot meet your monthly needs, you will need to have savings. Remember that during the divorce process, you may need to find a new place to live, buy new household goods or furniture, or hire an attorney. All of these things cost money and you need to be prepared.
Compile a List of Your Assets
Before you can possibly know what to ask for in your divorce, you will need to know what you and your spouse actually have. Start by making a list of the physical items in each room of your marital home. Write down each piece of furniture, décor, or artwork, and decide whether it is something you would want to keep, something you think your spouse should have, or something that does not really concern you either way. Work your way up to larger assets such as cars, boats, homes, and investments, but take a similar approach. Think about what you want or what you would take in return if your spouse wants a particular item. The division of property process in divorce is a little more complex than that, but you can get a head start by making many of the considerations before the stress and contentious of the proceedings get too overwhelming.
Plan for the Children
If you have children, you should also begin developing a plan of what an ideal post-divorce situation would be for you. It is important, however, to also consider your child’s perspective. By taking an objective look at the situation, you may realize that what you want may not be exactly what is best for your child. Speak with a child psychologist or a parenting expert, if necessary, and work with your spouse to come up with an arrangement that protects each parent’s rights, while providing for the needs of the children.
Contact an Attorney
With a little bit of advance planning, you and your spouse may be able to eliminate a great deal of unnecessary difficulty in your divorce. That is not to say that divorce is easy; it is most certainly not, but it does not need to be terrible either. As part of your preparation, you should also contact an experienced Geneva divorce attorney who can help you through the process. Attorney Doug Warlick is committed to working with families to find amicable solutions to challenging situations. Call 630-232-9700 to schedule a confidential consultation and get the assistance you need from an attorney you can trust.
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2012/03/27/why-women-who-are-organized-often-do-better-in-divorce/
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6100000&SeqEnd=8350000
