It is a sad statistic, but over 50% of marriages will end in divorce. Ending your marriage is not something that you decide to do spontaneously, but a decision that is weighed heavily before you act upon it. If you are planning on a divorce, it is important to think ahead and prepare for what you want your life to look like after the divorce has been finalized. This will help you avoid making irrational decisions and make sure that you come out of the situation with a plan for success. You will want to be sure to consider the following areas:

Finances

It is important to have a firm understanding of your financial situation before you file for divorce. This is necessary so that you know how much you will need in order to live independently. If you are seeking spousal maintenance (alimony) or expect to receive child support, you should consider how these payments will factor into your overall financial situation, but it is best to plan conservatively and limit your expenses as much as possible. Even if your divorce is mutual, both you and your former spouse will each be trying to gain as much financial advantage as possible, so you will want to be prepared for multiple possible outcomes.

Job Security

Regardless of how much alimony or child support you may receive, it is important to develop your own financial independence. If it seems that you might struggle to make ends meet on a single income, consider going back to school or enrolling in a work-training program to further your job qualifications. If you start your training or school before beginning the divorce process, the money spent to further these goals may be considered marital expenses rather than separate expenses.

Even under the most amicable circumstances, divorce signifies the end of a relationship, and that can be difficult for both parties. Unfortunately, divorce can also bring out the worst in people, especially if one or both parties feel wronged or slighted. To obtain the best results in your divorce, it is important to hire a reputable divorce lawyer to guide you through the legal process.

It is natural to want to do independent work apart from your lawyer to strengthen your case. Especially if your case involves infidelity or financial mismanagement, you may be thinking of using certain spy tactics to obtain hard evidence to use in court. However, this type of spying can be tricky, because some of these tactics are illegal, and evidence that was obtained illegally cannot be used in court. When attempting to uncover information during your divorce, you should speak with an attorney to find out which options are legal to use during your divorce proceedings.

Can you blame your divorce on where you live? In most cases, the answer is “no;” divorce and place of residence do not usually correlate. However, if you live in Illinois in any of the ten cities listed below, your likelihood of getting divorced may be higher than for those in some of your neighborhood counties.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the number of divorced people in Illinois is close to 1,000,000 people. Throughout the United States, there are over 28 million people who are divorced. Note that the census defines “divorced” as people whose divorce has been finalized (not including married couples who are separated) and who have not remarried. Illinois is actually one of the states with the lowest divorce rates; at a rate of 9.7%, it falls below the national divorce rate of 10.9%

In Illinois, the city with the highest divorce rate is East Alton, a village in Madison County. The top 10 cities in Illinois with the highest divorce rates are as follows:

When a couple decides that their marriage is no longer healthy, a divorce may be the best option. A divorce can provide a new start and a healthier living situation for yourself and any children involved. However, the divorce process can also be incredibly complicated, particularly when it comes to the division of marital assets such as bank accounts, retirement plans, and investments. To secure your financial security after divorce, the first and most important step you can take is to choose a divorce attorney you can believe in.

Here are three more things to keep in mind to protect your financial security in a divorce.

Avoid Excessive Spending Prior to Divorce

As a couple’s relationship comes to a close, it is entirely common to feel a wide range of emotions. In some cases, the emotions of an impending divorce can prompt reckless spending. According to Illinois state law, when a person spends marital assets for purposes independent of the marriage as the marriage is coming to an inevitable end, this is called dissipation of marital assets. Common forms of dissipation of marital assets include spending money on an affair, intentionally harming shared assets such as a car or family heirlooms, or buying expensive personal items for yourself. Before making any excessive expenditures just before or during the divorce process, speak with an attorney to make sure you understand the impact that such expenditures could have on the division of your marital property.

While most people assume that the divorce process is heated and highly contentious, many divorces can be resolved through settlement agreements. Divorcing spouses may be able to reach an agreement through mediation or negotiations between the spouses and their respective legal teams. In some cases, however, certain issues cannot be resolved, and the divorce has to go to trial. In the event of a divorce trial, proper preparation is critical to securing a positive outcome for you and your family. If you are contemplating divorce, it is important to seek out the legal guidance of a professional you can trust. 

Four Critical Pre-Trial Steps 

Once your divorce goes to trial, the decisions made by the judge will depend on the evidence presented and the performance of both you and your attorney throughout the trial. While a judge’s decision can be appealed in some cases, these decisions are usually final. Before you go to trial, it is crucial to be as prepared as possible by taking the following steps: 

1. Be Professional: As you get ready for the trial, your attorney will speak with you regarding appropriate behavior in the hearing process. Wearing appropriate clothing, only speaking when asked to speak, and not using your mobile phone while in the courtroom are great places to start. It is also important for you to remain composed and avoid being disrespectful while your spouse is testifying. Proving that you can keep your cool throughout the trial can only work in your favor. 
2. Prove Your Responsibility as a Parent: If you are hoping to secure significant parenting responsibilities in your trial, you need to show that you are prepared for independent parenting. Be ready to answer questions regarding your views on your child’s academic goals, extra-curricular activities, and health. Demonstrating that your living arrangement is suitable for a child can also go a long way in impacting a judge’s decisions. 
3. Discuss Your Goals: During pre-trial discussions with your attorney, you should discuss your goals for the trial. If there are specific marital assets you hope to secure, your attorney can develop a strategy based on retaining ownership of those assets. If your top priority is child custody, your lawyer’s pre-trial preparation will be centered around the steps you need to take to ensure you have a meaningful relationship with your children moving forward. 
4. Prepare for Testifying and Potential Cross-Examination: It is understandable to feel nervous as you prepare for a divorce trial. Testifying in court can be a nerve-wracking experience, and facing potential cross-examination from your spouse’s legal team can cause a great deal of anxiety. With the help of your attorney and extensive practice and preparation, you will be ready to answer any questions posed to you. 

Contact a Wheaton Family Law Attorney 

When divorcing from your spouse, it is common to feel a wide array of emotions. As you navigate the legal and emotional aspects of your divorce, a knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in resolving the issues that arise. At the Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we will assist in negotiations between you and your spouse or help guide you through the mediation process. If your divorce goes to trial, we are prepared to aggressively litigate on your behalf. To schedule an initial consultation with an experienced DuPage County divorce attorney, call us today at 630-462-9500.