When you decide to get married, the expectation is that your love will endure and your marriage will last forever. When forever doesn’t last as long as you’d hoped, the resulting emotional pain can be catastrophic for you. Many marriages cannot endure betrayal, resentment, envy, and mistrust. Every couple deals with struggle in different ways, with divorce often seen as the last resort. A Metro East divorce lawyer can help you work out some coping strategies.

Feeling conflicted during your divorce is perfectly natural. Ending your marriage is an enormous life change that can be difficult to process at first. You may feel you aren’t ready for such a change, especially if you’re the one who was served the papers. Even if you were the one who filed, you may still be feeling unsure of yourself. Having the right people by your side to help you move forward can make all the difference.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

The legal team at Stange Law Firm has helped numerous clients in various states navigate their divorces and recover from difficult marriages. Our multi-state team understands what our clients need in their most trying times, and we are prepared to offer you the resources that can help you. Everyone experiences divorce in a different way, but having someone who will stand up for you can keep you from being taken advantage of.

According to information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the divorce rate in Illinois is one of the lowest in the entire country at just 1.1 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. On the other hand, the state’s marriage rate is one of the highest in the country, with over 52% of polled individuals identifying as part of a married couple, according to information gathered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in 2022.

As you navigate your divorce, which may be tumultuous, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel mentally unwell. The circumstances that led to your divorce may be considerably painful, and talking to someone about everything that’s happened to you can be beneficial to your mental health.

You may want to consider discussing your situation with a local support group, such as DivorceCare. They may be able to help you determine your next steps after divorce.

How to Cope With Your Divorce

The emotion you may be feeling during the divorce process may be totally unique to you. Everyone deals with it in their own way. Some people feel betrayed, lonely, and confused, while others experience joy at never having to deal with their spouse again. One of the most common constant feelings for most people in a divorce is stress.

There’s a lot you have to deal with during a divorce, and having a lawyer by your side can help with that. Here are some other coping strategies:

  • Strong Support System: You can never have too much support, especially during stressful times in your life. Throughout your divorce, you may want to prioritize the people in your life who have stood by you and offered you help when you needed it. There’s nothing wrong with leaning on your friends, family, neighbors, and even your work colleagues for extra help. There’s nothing that says you have to endure this alone.
  • Establish Boundaries: One of the most important things you can do to preserve your sanity and your progress is to establish very clear boundaries with your ex. They may think they are still entitled to be a part of your life even after the divorce. Depending on what led to the divorce, you may be okay with it or not. You have the right to draw a line in the sand and say no. Your lawyer can help you enforce that boundary.

FAQs

Q: Should I Really Hire a Lawyer for My Divorce?

A: Yes, you should really hire a lawyer for your divorce. You never know how complicated your divorce can become. Some spouses may choose to prolong the process in an attempt to harm your finances. If you try to handle a contested divorce on your own, you may end up losing big in the process. With a lawyer’s help, you can try to prevent yourself from being taken advantage of.

Q: How Does Asset Division Work in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, asset division is governed by the equitable distribution model. This method ensures that both spouses are given a fair split of the marital assets, and that doesn’t always mean an equal split. The court divides assets in accordance with who contributed the most to the marriage, among other factors, such as each spouse’s financial situation. Separate property is generally not split between the spouses.

Q: Which Parent Gets Full Custody of the Children?

A: There is no way to instantly tell which parent will get custody of the kids. In Illinois, both parents are viewed as equal participants in child-rearing. Neither the mother nor the father is automatically granted custody based on their gender. An investigation must be conducted by the court into how each parent is raising their children. Generally, the court will favor joint custody, as it’s often viewed as the ideal arrangement for the child.

Q: Should I Get Divorced?

A: There is no easy way to answer this, as you are the only one who knows whether or not you should get divorced. Everyone’s reasons for ending their marriage are their own. If your spouse has repeatedly violated your boundaries or disrespected you, it’s perfectly reasonable to want out. Never let anyone tell you your reasons don’t matter. You may want to consider consulting a divorce lawyer to explore your options.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Soon

At Stange Law Firm, we understand how difficult it can be to move forward with a divorce. Depending on the strength of your marriage and any outside factors that contributed to its downfall, divorce may be the right thing for you and your spouse. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your divorce and how we can help you.