The decision to divorce is never easy. Many who have been through the divorce planning process often say that preparation is key. Getting ready to divorce ahead of time will give you some control over the process, making it easier for you to move forward. One of the first questions you may ask is “What Are My Legal Options in a Divorce? ”
Filing for Divorce Without an Attorney
While you can file a divorce on your own, it is not recommended particularly if you have marital property and debt or if there are children involved. That said, some divorcing couples will handle much of the paper work and logistics on their own, perhaps hiring a divorce attorney at a later stage to ensure the accuracy of their documents before filing.
Illinois Uncontested Divorce
Because figuring out the whole of the process, including what documents need to be filed, can be daunting for the lay person, couples may instead seek the help of an uncontested divorce attorney. An experienced attorney will prepare all the documents according to an agreement reached between the spouses and file the paperwork ensuring the process is completed accurately and quickly from start to finish. An uncontested divorce is by far the easiest and most cost effective option when couples are mostly in agreement and are willing to work together to resolve any remaining issues.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce means that parties do not see eye to eye on all of the issues and are not able to reach an agreement. When there are larger marital estates, marital debt or children involved, parties of a divorce are more likely to enlist the services of a lawyer to represent them. This may be achieved through divorce mediation, a collaborative effort or litigation.
Illinois Divorce Mediation
You and your spouse may want to consider divorce mediation as an option where a third party, often an attorney, helps you to reach a compromise. If you believe that you and your spouse can agree on many of the important issues, mediation may be a good option. A mediator can provide information about the divorce process and guide the discussion to help resolve issues. During the mediation process, the parties often communicate with one another directly in the presence of the mediator with the goal of reaching an agreement that meets the needs of both parties and their children.
Collaborative Divorce
Some couples seek a collaborative divorce where each party has hired their own attorney, but the attorneys work together to solve problems rather than exclusively advocating for the position of their client. Although collaborative divorce may be a good option for couples who are fully willing to negotiate and are comfortable with their attorneys working together to reach a compromise, many more prefer to have an attorney who will strongly represent their interests in a divorce rather than in the spirit of harmonious negotiation that ends in concessions.
Hiring an Attorney to Represent You
Divorcing couples who have marital assets, such as the family home, or who have children, are often better served to hire an experienced divorce attorney to represent them, and only them, to handle the divisions of marital property, child custody and support issues. A knowledgeable divorce settlement attorney will seek the most favorable outcome on your behalf ensuring that you get a fair deal.
The process starts by contacting an experienced divorce attorney who will guide you through the process from beginning to end, employing the most expedient and cost effective means possible. As your advocate, your attorney will fight for what is important to you in the divorce.
Contact an Experienced Libertyville Illinois Divorce Lawyer
If you are considering divorce in Illinois and have questions, contact the Libertyville family law offices of Ronald L Bell & Associates PC for more information regarding the Illinois divorce process, Illinois parenting time and responsibilities (aka child custody and visitation), child support, spousal maintenance or other concerns you may have. Ron has successfully represented many clients in the Lake county Illinois area for over 30 years and we welcome the opportunity to help you. Call our offices at 847-495-6000 or contact us via our website for assistance today.