Without a doubt, deciding to end a marriage will leave an individual with quite a bit to think about. Divorce is an emotionally and financially draining experience, and being unprepared can make this experience even more challenging. Obviously, spouses in Illinois don’t marry expecting to divorce, so no one really plans for it. However, here are a few ways to prep when divorce is imminent.
One of the most important things to do when a divorce is imminent is to gather and organize financial documents and paperwork. This may be information about financial accounts or insurance policies. Make copies of all documents and also make a list of all financial assets. It is also a good idea to get credit reports before and after the divorce. This can help with paying off debt and avoid hassles in the future.
This is a good time to think about new living arrangements. Make preparations for the move and be sure to budget for future housing expenses. Also, it may be a good idea to open a PO Box to ensure that important paperwork is not lost in the mail. These days, so many things are done electronically. Make sure to review and change passwords on email accounts and any pertinent online accounts for security.
Having people to talk to during this difficult time can prove invaluable and make coping with the situation much easier. It may be helpful to talk to people who have gone through divorces and find out how they managed. However, the most important piece of advice for any Illinois resident who may be going through divorce is to hire a savvy attorney. An experienced lawyer can safeguard legal rights and help an individual proceed in a way that serves his or her best interests.