If you plan to end your marriage in the near future, it’s generally a good idea to meet with an Illinois attorney long before filing for divorce. He or she may be able to provide insight into how the divorce process works and how long it may take to come to a reasonable settlement. Legal counsel may also talk more about the various obstacles that you may encounter to dissolve your marriage.
Do you need help understanding your household finances?
It isn’t uncommon for one spouse to manage the household finances on his or her own. However, if you were the spouse who delegated financial decisions to your spouse while married, it can put you at a disadvantage during a divorce proceeding. An attorney may be able to review bank statements, tax documents and other financial records to help you get a better understanding of what you might receive in a final settlement.
Do you have a prenuptial agreement?
An attorney may be able to review a prenuptial agreement to determine if its terms are still valid. If they are, it may be possible to settle the divorce without a lot of stress or drama. If the prenup terms are problematic, your attorney may be able to assist in the process of modifying them.
A legal professional may be able to help with most aspects of a divorce case
Say that you share a child with your spouse, own a business and are set to receive an inheritance in the near future. An attorney may be able to help you obtain custody of that child, retain ownership of your company and ensure that your inheritance retains its status as separate property.
Hiring an attorney may increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in a divorce proceeding. A legal representative may use multiple lines of evidence to prove that you are entitled to custody of a child or a significant share of marital assets.