When is the Right Time to Contact an Illinois Divorce Attorney?

Many people think that consulting with a divorce attorney before you are certain that you are ready to pull the trigger on divorce is a bad or unnecessary idea. However, the truth is that if you have divorce concerns – including concerns about whether a divorce is really what you want in the first place – now is the right time to contact an experienced Illinois divorce attorney. 

Assessing Your Situation

There are many good reasons for consulting with a dedicated divorce attorney. While your decision will be unique to the situation you find yourself in, all of the following are common reasons for making that initial call:

• You are on the fence about whether divorce is right for you, and you want more information. 
• You are seriously considering divorce and want to better understand what your first steps will be if you do decide to divorce. 
• You have made up your mind that a divorce is right for you, and you’re prepared to move forward with the first steps. 
• You have been served with divorce papers, and the matter is no longer in your hands. 

If any of these apply to your situation, now is an excellent time to reach out to a knowledgeable Illinois divorce attorney. All things being equal, it is likely in your interest to make the first move regarding divorce, so dragging your feet is unlikely to do you any favors. 

Your Divorce Attorney Will Skillfully Address Property Concerns

Much of the work involved in obtaining a divorce is compiling documentation that accurately reflects your financial status as a married couple. This includes taking inventory of your marital property (those assets you and your spouse acquired over the course of your married life), which covers all of the following and more:  

• The property you own, including your home
• Your retirement accounts
• The increase in the value of any separate property that either of you owns (that property that you bring with you into your marriage and keep separate throughout)
• Your vehicles and any recreational vehicles, including motorcycles, RVs, and boats
• Anything – or any collections – of value, such as jewelry, watches, or art

The longer your marriage, the more complicated your financials are likely to be. Your dedicated divorce attorney will set to work diligently compiling a comprehensive snapshot of your financials that will serve as a guideline for the equitable distribution of these assets upon divorce. 

Negotiating Terms

Your divorce attorney will also help you smoothly navigate the other important divorce terms, including:

• Parenting Time and Parental Responsibilities
• Child Support
• Spousal Maintenance

Ultimately, you and your divorcing spouse will need to find common ground on all of the terms that apply to your situation, or the court will make your decisions for you. Your practiced divorce attorney has the ability and the tools to help you negotiate acceptable terms – or to zealously defend your rights in the event that your case goes to trial. 

Now Is the Right Time to Contact an Experienced Illinois Divorce Attorney

The Goodman Law Firm is a trusted Illinois divorce law firm, and we understand the delicacy of your situation and are committed to helping you find the best path forward for you. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.