When you get divorced, there are so many different things you have to handle. It’s understandable to get bogged down in the details, especially if you are the one who was served and not the other way around. Being blindsided with such a huge life change can be enough to make you feel like your world is crashing down around you. During this tumultuous period of your life, a Metro East, IL divorce lawyer can help you make sure you don’t forget anything.

Getting Divorced in Illinois

Whether you are the one who filed or the one who was served, getting divorced is generally an unpleasant experience for all involved. Cutting ties with the person you once believed you’d be spending the rest of your life with can be painful to get through on your own. It may be tough to accept, but it’s important to your mental and emotional health that you try to. Throughout the second-guessing and emotional pain, you need to take steps to protect yourself.

You need to keep in mind that your divorce is going to affect virtually every aspect of your life, including your kids, your job performance, and your circle of friends. You may have a preconceived notion of divorce as the brief signing of a piece of paper. In truth, it’s far more complex; it’s the complete disentanglement of two lives. That includes separating your finances, working out a child custody arrangement, and dividing assets through equitable distribution.

According to information gathered by the CDC, the divorce rate in Illinois as of 2022 is only 1.1 per 1,000 residents. That means Illinois has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, especially when compared to the national divorce rate. Still, that doesn’t mean divorces do not happen in Illinois, and it’s important to seek help if you are struggling with yours. You may want to seek out a divorce support group in the Metro East area, such as DivorceCare.

How to Cope With Your Divorce

Everybody’s divorce experience is going to be different, but many people may endure similar incidents throughout the process. You may be so worried about solving the larger issues, such as asset division and child custody, that you may not even think about the finer details that can add up later. There are countless issues to deal with in a divorce. Prioritizing all of them is impossible. Here are some important tips on how to cope with your own divorce:

  • Embrace Support: A divorce can be a traumatic experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Embrace support where you can get it. Take comfort in your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Depending on how difficult you find this process, you may seek comfort in a support group.
  • Hold Firm Boundaries: The whole point of a divorce is to end your marriage and move on. You may not be able to move on if your ex keeps trying to be a part of your life. Establishing and holding firm boundaries can be good for you. It can be particularly difficult when you have to co-parent with your ex, but you are under no obligation to maintain a relationship beyond that.
  • Have Goals: Always keep in mind that divorce is not the end of your life. In many ways, it’s the beginning of a whole new stage of your life. Establishing and working towards a long-term goal can give you something to look forward to. You may start saving for a solo vacation or moving to a new place. Focusing on the future can help in the long run.

FAQs

Q: Is a Divorce the Right Decision?

A: The only one who can know the answer to that is you. Everybody’s needs in a relationship are different. If those needs aren’t met, getting divorced may be the right direction your life needs to go in. If love and trust have disappeared and you feel like your marriage has run its course, divorce may be the right option. Consider whether you and your spouse can talk things out and work on your problem first.

Q: How Is Child Custody Decided in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, child custody is largely decided by the court unless both parents are able to work out a mutually beneficial agreement. Above all, the court must prioritize the well-being of the child. That can mean awarding custody to just one parent and disregarding the desires of the other. It can also mean awarding joint custody, which places responsibility for raising the child on both parents.

Q: How Does Equitable Distribution Work?

A: When it comes to asset division in Illinois, the equitable distribution model is a way to ensure both spouses are awarded a fair amount. A fair amount may not necessarily mean an equal amount. The court has many different contributing factors to consider in order to make sure the division is equitable. These factors include the duration of the marriage and the circumstances of the divorce itself.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for My Divorce?

A: Yes, it is highly recommended that you retain legal help for your divorce. While you technically don’t need to have a lawyer, you could lose significant assets if you don’t. It’s wise to assume your spouse will be hiring a lawyer to represent them, and you don’t want to end up unprepared in court. A good lawyer can take charge of your case and make sure you don’t forget any crucial filing deadlines or court appearances.

Contact a Divorce Lawyer Today

When you get divorced, it’s important that you remember to handle every aspect of it before things get out of hand. A good lawyer can help you make sure nothing is forgotten or left out, allowing you to focus on working through your own emotional healing.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm can give you what you need to move forward. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.