The breakdown of a marriage is often a stressful period for you and the entire family. As you make the decision to end the union, you may wonder whether you can go through the process of divorce without the aid of an attorney. While the law does not require you to hire legal representation, it is often in your best interest to do so.
Even those whose divorce begins amicably at the onset can quickly find that they are involved in disputes that could result in an unfair resolution. An experienced Crystal Lake divorce lawyer will guide you through the entire process from start to finish, making the situation much less stressful.
Divorce Settlement Issues
There are many settlement issues that you and your spouse must work out during the divorce process. In Illinois, divorce is no-fault and there is no requirement for separation prior to filing. There are many matters that you must consider when you work through the settlement such as:
- Distribution of assets and debts
- Parental responsibilities
- Visitation
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
Both parties are entitled to their equitable share. To understand what that entails, you must first know all of your assets as well as debts. Your lawyer will take the lead and help you gather the information necessary to move forward.
Avoid the Common Mistakes of Divorce
There are many mistakes that you could make in the divorce process if you are trying to go it alone. An attorney with experience handling divorce will help you avoid the pitfalls that could make divorce more difficult. Your attorney understands the process and will make sure that you get the best advice so that you can make informed decisions.
This is particularly important in situations where you have complex settlement matters such as having a high-value portfolio of assets or if you have children. A mistake could not only be costly, but could cause you and your family strife for months or years to come.
Be Proactive
A knowledgeable divorce attorney knows the proper divorce process. Without some guidance, you may end up waiting too long to take the proper steps or might miss deadlines that could be detrimental to a fair settlement. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act cover divorce in Illinois.
Divorce laws can be complex and they may change from time to time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to make certain that you stay abreast of the situation and take steps to resolve matters in a timely manner.
Protect Your Interests
Those who file for divorce without an attorney may too often end up regretting that decision. You want to ensure that you understand the complexity of your finances so you can make intelligent decisions regarding how to divide them.
You can only be certain of protecting all your interests when you know the many laws that pertain to divorce. It is critical that you don’t forget to request your share of investments and property such as a portion of retirement savings accounts and home equity. You want to avoid being taken advantage of by your spouse.
Resolve Disputes
Even a so-called friendly divorce can end up in a dispute. The best way to resolve disputes is to prevent them in the first place with help from a skilled Crystal Lake divorce attorney. Your lawyer will work on your behalf to resolve issues as soon as they arise before they escalate. Most divorce disputes arise over issues regarding finances and children. You can count on your lawyer to negotiate important matters and guide a resolution that meets your expectations.
Ensure a Fair Settlement
In Illinois, marital property must be distributed in an equitable manner. Marital property includes all your assets acquired during the marriage. There are some exceptions such as a property you owned prior to marriage, inheritances, and gifts. Your lawyer will review your finances to make certain that everything is properly distributed. You will have the opportunity to review and negotiate the settlement. Generally, the judge will approve a settlement to which you and your spouse have agreed.
Reduce Stress
Divorce is one of the most stressful events in your life. You can reduce the stress you suffer by getting guidance from a qualified Crystal Lake divorce attorney. Your lawyer understands the process and will take the lead on all the matters that require your attention. You can rest assured that your attorney is there to lead the way and handle the many issues that come up during the process. A compassionate divorce attorney understands the emotional toll the situation takes and will do everything possible to make the situation easier for everyone.
Save Time and Money
Going through a divorce can be extremely time-consuming for those who are new to the process. Your lawyer has years of education, training, and experience and qualified support staff to take care of all the many details of divorce for their clients. When you try to handle a divorce on your own it can be difficult and lengthy.
Disagreements are more likely to occur and that could result in a drawn-out process that may only be resolved with professional assistance. If you start out with a skilled divorce attorney you will streamline the process and save time and money in the long run.
Get the Best Result
Divorce is never easy, but it is certainly easiest with a qualified attorney on your side. The goal of a divorce is to end your marriage, but you can do so with as little harm to your family as possible. A divorce doesn’t have to end with both parties hating each other. Your lawyer will work on your behalf to make the process as amicable as possible. You and your spouse can work through a settlement that will create a new normal for you and your loved ones
Divorce can be one of the most difficult things you will go through. Help from the right divorce attorney can make a big difference in the process. If you have made the decision to end your marriage, the first step is to consult with a qualified Crystal Lake divorce attorney who will be in your corner from the start. To learn more about divorce, contact Bruning & Associates at (815) 455-3000 today.
