Important Steps to Take During a Divorce
A divorce is not only an emotional process, but an intense legal one as well. If you are considering getting a divorce or have filed for divorce in Illinois, there are number of important steps that you should take as soon as possible to protect your interests.
Make a List of All Assets
Make a list of all assets, including assets that are titled jointly, or individually in your name or your spouse’s name immediately. You should also make a list of all debts. Do you share a car loan or mortgage? Do you have joint investment accounts? It is a good idea to gather statements for every account in which you or your spouse have an interest, prior to discussing divorce with your spouse.
Protect Your Children
If you have children, they will be impacted by your divorce. It is important that you take action to protect your children, both psychologically and physically. Make sure your children are in a safe place and are receiving adequate care, and refrain from fighting with your spouse in front of your children or bad mouthing your spouse. Because allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly child custody) in Illinois is based on the best interests of the child, you should start putting a case together now that illustrates why you should be granted the allocation of parental responsibilities, including allocation for medical decision making, educational decision making, extra-curricular activity decision making, and religious decision making. You may consider asking your children’s teachers, professional adults in the child’s life, and others to write a letter or be prepared to offer a statement to a court about your parenting abilities.
Seek a Temporary Order for Spousal Support and/or Child Support
In the event that you are the financially dependent spouse, you may be in need of economic aid before a divorce is finalized and a final support order is issued. If this is the case, you may be able to receive a temporary order for spousal support or temporary order for child support. An order of this type will be terminated when your divorce is finalized.
Hire a Naperville Divorce Attorney
There are dozens of issues in a divorce that may be considered, but that are often overlooked when an individual is not working with an attorney. To protect your best interests and your children’s, it is important that you hire a Naperville divorce attorney. Not only can an attorney help you to understand the laws regarding divorce and other issues in divorce—like child custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements, visitation, parenting time, etc.—but can also support you and advocate for you during the entire process.
Call Our Legal Team Now!
At Fay, Farrow & Associates, P.C., our experienced Naperville divorce lawyers understand what you are going through. For legal assistance during a divorce, call us as soon as possible. Your first consultation with our team is always free – schedule it today by calling 630-961-0060 or using our online form.