Deciding on a divorce is never easy. It’s helpful to arm yourself with enough information to make all the right decisions. You’ve got to do your homework if you think a divorce is inevitable. Find and log all the assets owned by the family–they’ll have to be divided. Assets include bank accounts, real estate, investment accounts, and retirement plans. Also, you should be aware of any debts owed by you and your spouse. Open a checking account in your name only–once the divorce is filed, you won’t be able to make any changes, financially.
Investigate how a divorce will affect your insurance and other benefits. Any needed medical or dental procedures should be finalized before filing for divorce. When you’re ready to file for divorce, hire divorce lawyers in Lombard. You don’t know the law or all the various procedures concerning divorce. When it comes to divorce, what you don’t know can hurt you. For example, the state you live in may be a no-fault-only state. Some states do not recognize fault grounds for divorce. The attorney will have to declare that the marriage is irretrievably broken in divorce pleadings.
Some states require a separation period before granting a divorce. This means you have to live apart from your spouse for a certain period of time before the divorce–it could be a year or more. If you plan to use fault grounds, be prepared to prove all allegations. Your spouse has the right to put up a defense against any claims. Be advised that fault grounds can affect the division of property and other marital assets.
Judges are routinely ordering the parties to attend mediation before granting a divorce. Mediation is a process where you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party, the mediator. The mediator attempts to help a couple work out an agreement in their divorce. The divorce lawyers Lombard attend the mediation with you, to make sure your rights are protected. If the couple cannot reach an agreement, the divorce will be heard by the Judge. Divorce is a difficult process and having an attorney ensures that nothing is overlooked. Remember, once a divorce is final, it’s expensive and difficult to modify the decree. Learn more about SBK Law Group.