Planning for divorce

In many cases, the last thing married couples in Illinois may want to think about is divorce. However, they should know that the rate for divorce in the United States is almost 50 percent, with nearly 2 million divorces occurring every year. The subject can be intimidating, but understanding the process and having an idea of what to expect can make it easier to handle and can lessen stress. Planning that is done before, during and after a divorce is also helpful.

Couples who get divorced will have to submit the necessary paperwork to the courts, conduct research on the financial background of both parties and proceed to trial in some cases. For couples who want to avoid going to court, they can consider many other options. For example, a collaborative divorce or going through mediation may be suitable options, while in other cases the couple can negotiate a settlement on their own.

Before they file for divorce, it is important that individuals conduct sufficient research. They should understand the divorce laws in the state in which they reside They also have to be aware of the timelines and in some cases how long they will have to be separated from their spouse before being able to file. Researching attorneys is another important task to complete. How much an attorney charges and the manner in which the charges are assessed, such as on a retainer basis or by the hour, should be verified before hiring.

A divorce attorney may work to obtain for clients the desired settlement terms regarding spousal support, the division of property, child custody and other issues. The attorney may consider the circumstances of a case and may recommend the most appropriate legal strategy to pursue.