There’s nothing wrong with feeling angry, worried, and overwhelmed during your divorce. You’re bound to feel a lot of conflicting emotions as you end your marriage. Once the divorce is over, you may be truly free and on your own for the first time in years, maybe even decades. You might not know what to do with yourself or how to feel about everything that’s happened. A Metro East divorce lawyer can help you work through the divorce and the aftermath.

It’s no secret that divorces are stressful, especially if they’re contested. It’s entirely possible that your spouse may try to make things difficult for you for no reason other than spite because you dared to end things. Even if your divorce is uncontested, it’s fairly common to have to deal with random setbacks you may not have been able to prepare for. That’s why a divorce lawyer’s help is so important. They can help you anticipate setbacks and plan for anything that could happen.

Be Sure to Hire the Right Lawyer

Arguably, the most important decision you can make for your divorce is hiring the right lawyer to represent your interests and build your case for you. The right lawyer’s help can be invaluable, especially if your divorce is contested and you’re heading for a lengthy legal battle. The legal team at Stange Law Firm recognizes your position and can provide you with a personalized approach. Our multi-state legal team has helped clients across the country with their divorces.

It’s important to understand the rates of marriage and divorce in your state, as it can provide you with perspective and make you feel less alone in your decision to divorce. According to statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of divorce in Illinois as of 2023 is one of the lowest in the country at just 1.2 per 1,000 people. 

At the same time, the marriage rate is high, with over 50% of polled individuals identifying as married in a 2022 poll by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). There’s nothing wrong with asking for help as you deal with what could be the most stressful situation of your life. You might want to consider speaking with a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Moving Forward Through Divorce. They can help you cope with your situation.

Moving Forward After Your Divorce

It will be difficult to accept your divorce at first. Regardless of whether you were the one who filed or the one who was served, you are ending a relationship you likely thought was going to last forever. That can be hard to accept. It’s understandable to be wary of restarting your life alone. You should take comfort in your friends and family, and focus on the things that you can control. These are some steps you can take to start moving forward after your divorce:

  • One of the most important things that can come with a divorce is newfound knowledge about what you don’t want in your next romantic partner. Ending your marriage may have shown you how much you want to avoid certain toxic traits and red flags. You may be much better at identifying these traits now. Determine what you want in a relationship, such as loyalty and commitment, and prioritize those traits moving forward.
  • Another thing that can come with a divorce is a profound loss of stress. Remember, no strong marriage has ever ended in a divorce. Divorce is reserved for marriages suffering from resentment, fear, betrayal, and incompatibility. Once the divorce is final, you may start to realize you’re carrying much less stress in your life, since you no longer have to answer to anyone. In fact, you may never have to see your ex again if you don’t want to.

FAQs

Q: How Can Divorce Be a Good Thing?

A: It’s important to keep in mind that good marriages don’t end in divorce. Marriage takes work from both partners. If one partner is fostering resentment or feeling unfulfilled, it can cause the entire marriage to break down. You may find yourself dealing with much less stress and even less financial strain once you get divorced. A divorce can improve your self-confidence, make it easier to identify red flags, and give you a sense of freedom.

Q: Should I Get Divorced?

A: You’re the only one who knows the answer to that. Nobody knows or understands your boundaries better than you. If your spouse crosses those boundaries and you feel there’s no way to work through it, it’s reasonable to want to end your marriage and move on with your life. If you feel love or trust has disappeared and can’t be restored, divorce may be your only option left. If you think it’s possible to work through your problems, pursue that instead. It’s up to you.

Q: How Are Assets Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

A: In Illinois, assets are divided through the equitable distribution model. This method ensures that both partners are given a fair division of all marital assets, while separate property is not divided. Fair and equal are not synonymous, as each partner will receive as much as the court feels they are entitled to. The court will consider each partner’s contributions to the marriage and their financial position, among other factors.

Q: Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you need a divorce lawyer. While you are never legally required to hire a lawyer to represent your case, it is always recommended that you hire one anyway if you are dealing with legal strife of any kind, including a divorce. You don’t want to end up being taken advantage of by your spouse’s legal team because you didn’t hire anyone to represent you. The right lawyer’s help can always make a difference.

Reach Out Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you with your divorce and with figuring out your next steps. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about your case and how we can help.