Every year, thousands of Illinois couples make the difficult decision to pursue a divorce. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 29,331 couples throughout the state of Illinois elected to get divorced in 2013. For many people, divorce represents a way out of a psychologically, emotionally, or physically abusive relationship. However, while divorce can be a path out of a bad situation and a step towards a new, healthy life, the divorce process can take a great deal of time to finalize. 

Equipping yourself with a strong understanding of Illinois divorce law can help ensure that you will avoid any unfortunate snags that could prolong your divorce. If you believe that a divorce is the best option for you and your family, it is time to contact a certified legal professional to help guide you through this logistically and emotionally challenging process. 

Understanding the Basics of Illinois Divorce Law 

In the state of Illinois, a divorce is legally referred to as a dissolution of marriage. According to Illinois state a law, a couple can only file for dissolution if one of the spouses has lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days. In the event that your spouse does not reside in the state of Illinois, the court still holds the jurisdiction to order a non-resident spouse to pay child support, make spousal maintenance payments, or pay debts accrued while married. That said, divorcing a spouse that lives in a different state can lead to a longer divorce process. 

Despite the fact that over 800,000 divorces occur throughout the United States each year, many Americans still view divorce as a worst-case scenario. Divorce can bring a number of complications into your life, including child custody battles, disagreements about property division, and in many cases, a move away from your old home. However, for many married Americans, divorce represents a way out of an unhealthy relationship.

Why a Divorce Can Be Better Than a Bad Marriage:

According to studies conducted by The United States Census Bureau, 41% of first-time marriages end in divorce. While many Americans falsely believe that divorce represents a failure in their lives, in reality, divorce can represent the healthiest option for you and your loved ones. Below are five reasons a divorce could be the best decision you can make: 

For the thousands of Americans that go through the divorce process each year, change can be a welcome sight. For many couples, divorce represents a breath of fresh air after fights over their relationship, parenting responsibilities, and finances. Many people elect to move away from the area they lived in during their marriage and find a new place for them and their family to live. If you are considering a post-divorce relocation, there are many things you should think about before making the move. Below are five considerations you should evaluate before deciding on your new home:

1. The Real-Estate Market

When deciding on a new place to live after your divorce, it is important to understand the landscape of the real estate market. Are the housing prices higher or lower than your previous town or city? Is the rental market diverse enough to enable you to find the right fit for you and your children? Are there affordable neighborhoods with vibrant and safe community atmospheres? Asking these questions before you dive in to a new location can be immensely important in ensuring you find the house that is right for your family. 

When dealing with the emotions of divorce, children often struggle to come to terms with the end of their parents’ relationship. The uncertainty that comes with the major changes in their lives can cause children to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. For children going through a divorce, the more emotional support they can get, the better. Because of this, many courts elect to appoint an attorney to deal with issues related specifically to the children involved in a divorce case. 

This type of attorney is most commonly referred to as a guardian ad litem (GAL), and they are routinely appointed in cases involving child custody disputes, domestic abuse incidents, and issues related to child support. If you are in the midst of a divorce, and you believe the well-being of your children may be at risk, asking your legal team about the possibilities of appointing a guardian ad litem may be critically important in ensuring your child ends up in the healthiest living situation. 

Guardians Ad Litem in Illinois 

According to the United States Census Bureau, upwards of 25% of American children under the age of 21 have one parent living outside their primary household. While ultimately, the role of the custodial parent is the most critical aspect of proper childhood development, many children rely on financial support from their non-custodial parent. Child support payments can be crucial in helping a parent pay for essentials such as food, school tuition, school supplies, and many other vital ingredients to a healthy upbringing. 

Throughout the United States, as many as 21.4 million children live with only one custodial parent. If you are expecting to take on the challenge of being a single parent, child support can be monumental in ensuring a financially healthy future for you and your family. Finding competent and experienced legal representation can make all the difference in guaranteeing your family receives the child support you deserve. 

The Truth About Child Support in the United States