Whether you are planning to file for divorce in Illinois or you know that your spouse has plans to file, it is extremely important to prepare. There are many steps in Illinois divorce cases, and it is critical to ensure that you are ready to move forward with the divorce. When you are preparing for divorce, you should work with an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer who can help you to understand the materials you will need to gather for your case and the best way to advocate for your needs during the divorce. Preparation for a divorce will not be the same for everyone since each person will be getting divorced under different circumstances and will have specific issues to consider from the marriage. In general, however, the following steps can help you to get ready for a divorce in Illinois.
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), all debts and assets will need to be classified as marital or separate property, and all marital property will need to be divided equitably between the spouses. In order for the court to divide marital assets and debts fairly between the parties, all property will need to be disclosed. As such, you should gather all financial documents that identify assets and debts, including account statements, tax returns, W-2s, purchase receipts, insurance appraisals, and related materials.
Preparing for divorce should always include making a reasonable budget for yourself after the divorce is finalized. Given that you will be living on your own, you will want to ensure that you have planned appropriately in terms of your finances for needs, as well as for extracurricular and recreational spending.
While you might not be thinking about estate planning at this point in time, preparing for a divorce should include making changes to your estate planning documents and your accounts. Most likely, you will no longer want your spouse to be listed as your beneficiary or to be named in advance directives. You will also likely want to open your own bank account if you share accounts with your spouse.
If you have children from your marriage, part of the process of preparing for divorce is telling your kids about the breakup of the relationship. Whether your children are still minors and will need to understand how the divorce will impact their living arrangements or your children are adults, it is important to speak with your kids. If possible, discuss your divorce plans with your children together with your ex to emphasize that the divorce will not change their relationship to either of you and to show that you are united in your plans.
If you are getting ready for a divorce in Illinois, you should have an experienced and dedicated Illinois divorce attorney on your side. At Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd., we have years of experience representing clients in a wide range of divorce matters, and we can speak with you today about the particular facts of your case. We know how important it is to focus on the individual needs of each client in every divorce case and to make a plan that fits your needs. Contact Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. for more information about how we can assist you with your divorce.