5 Things to Consider Before Filing for Divorce

Marriage is a wonderful thing when both spouses are able to work together as partners, but if your relationship has broken down, it is understandable to want to leave a difficult situation and embark on the next phase of your life.

However, there are many complicated personal, emotional, and legal issues that come with ending a marriage, and before filing for divorce, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Where will I live during and after divorce? Will you be able to continue living in your marital home with your spouse during your divorce, or will one of you be moving out? It is a good idea to look at what you expect to happen with your living situation and, if possible, discuss living arrangements with your spouse before beginning the divorce process.
• Will I be able to financially support myself? You should have a plan in place for how to cover your expenses after your divorce. If you earn significantly less than your spouse, you may be able to ask for temporary financial support from them during the divorce and ongoing spousal maintenance (alimony) after the divorce has been finalized. If you are the higher income earner, you should be aware that you may be required to pay spousal support and plan your budget accordingly
• Can we resolve issues amicably? If you and your spouse are able to work together to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to your divorce, you may want to consider mediation, which can help you complete the divorce process more quickly and efficiently. However, if you are likely to be unable to agree on the various issues that must be addressed, you may need to settle your disputes in court with the assistance of an attorney.
• What is best for our children? During divorce, disagreements over which parent children will live with and who will make decisions about the way they will be raised can become highly contentious. Ideally, parents should try to put aside their differences and plan to work together to raise their children after their divorce. By always considering what is in your children’s best interests, you can establish a good foundation for how you and your ex-spouse will be able to act as co-parents in the years to come.
• What legal and financial issues will need to be addressed? As you prepare for divorce, you should begin to consider the many issues that will need to be settled, including how to divide marital property, who will be responsible for debts, whether you will need to consider retirement accounts or pensions, and how ownership of family-owned businesses will be handled. By looking at these issues ahead of time, you can ensure that you will not be surprised when they arise during the divorce process.

Contact Our Orland Park Divorce Lawyers

At Anderson and Associates, P.C., our skilled, experienced attorneys can provide you with the guidance you need throughout the divorce process. We will answer any questions that you may have, explain your rights, help you understand your legal obligations, and advocate for your family’s best interests as you work to reach a resolution. Contact our Cook County divorce attorneys today at 708-226-9904 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:
http://www.divorcemag.com/blog/contemplating-divorce-do-these-5-things-first