You are thinking about getting divorced. You are understandably concerned about the costs involved, and you are wondering where you can save some money along the way. This inevitably brings you to the question: “Can (and should) I handle my divorce on my own?”
While handling your divorce on your own might seem like the most cost-effective option (compared to hiring a divorce lawyer to represent you), the reality is that trying to handle your divorce on your own can prove to be very costly. There are a variety of reasons why. Hiring a divorce lawyer can also help to alleviate your stress while giving you confidence in your decision-making.
7 Important Reasons Not to Handle Your Divorce on Your Own
So, why should you hire a divorce lawyer if you are ready to end your marriage in Illinois? Here are seven important reasons not to handle your divorce on your own:
1. You Need to Ensure that You Are Making Informed Decisions
The decisions you make during your divorce will impact your life for years (and perhaps decades) to come. If you have children, they will impact your children’s lives as well. As a result, you need to ensure that you are making informed decisions.
This requires an in-depth understanding of Illinois’s divorce laws and how they apply to your specific circumstances. If you, like most people, are not familiar with Illinois’s divorce laws, this means that you will need an experienced lawyer on your side.
2. You Need to Address All of the Issues Involved in Your Divorce
When going through the divorce process, it is critical to ensure that you address all of the issues involved. If you overlook any issues during your divorce, they won’t go away—instead, they will linger after your divorce, and they could eventually lead to unnecessary challenges (and costs) for you and your former spouse. Some examples of the issues that divorcing spouses generally need to address during the divorce process in Illinois include:
- Identifying their “separate” and “marital” property
- Dividing their marital property
- Dividing their marital debts
- Financial support obligations (alimony and child support)
- Child custody and visitation (developing a parenting plan)
Each of these presents its own unique challenges and complexities, and they all present risks for overlooking concerns that could lead to disagreements and disputes down the line.
3. You Need to Consider All of Your Options
Just as you need to address all of the issues involved in your divorce, you also need to consider all of the options you have available. This applies to all aspects of the divorce process—from dividing your marital property to developing your post-divorce parenting plan.
Why is it important to consider all of your options? Because if you don’t, you could miss opportunities to protect your finances, protect property you care about, and maximize the time you are able to spend with your children. An experienced divorce lawyer will walk you through your options, discuss their benefits and limitations, and help you decide how best to proceed.
4. You Need to Be Prepared for Disagreements When They Arise
Even if you and your spouse are both ready to get divorced and are willing to work together to make it happen, you still need to be prepared for disagreements to arise. You shouldn’t expect to agree on everything; and, when you and your spouse disagree, you will need to find a way to come to terms (unless you are prepared to go to court).
An experienced divorce lawyer will be able to help you prepare for potential disagreements. Your divorce lawyer will help you evaluate your priorities, evaluate your spouse’s priorities, and come up with creative solutions that are likely to work for both of you. By taking this kind of proactive approach, you can streamline the process and ensure that it remains as amicable as possible.
5. You Need to Follow the Formalities for Getting Divorced in Illinois
It is important not to forget that getting divorced is a formal legal process. Even if you and your spouse are able to come to terms, you will still need to file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate court. An experienced divorce lawyer will be familiar with all of the steps you need to take, and will be able to take these steps for you so that you don’t make any costly mistakes along the way.
6. You Need a Personalized (and Legally Enforceable) Divorce Settlement Agreement
Amicably resolving a divorce involves entering into a settlement agreement that outlines all of the terms of your formal separation. It is imperative that this settlement agreement is both: (i) personalized to your specific circumstances; and, (ii) legally enforceable under Illinois law. As a result, while you can find forms and templates online, using one of these for a “DIY divorce” is not advisable.
As you go through the divorce process, you will see that virtually all aspects of your divorce are unique to you. This will make clear why using a “standard” form or template doesn’t make sense. To provide the clarity and certainty you need for the future, you need a settlement agreement that reflects the terms of your divorce.
7. Mistakes and Oversights During a Divorce Can Prove Costly in the Future
Finally, if you make mistakes during the divorce process or overlook assets or issues you need to address, this can prove costly in the future. We touched on this briefly already. If you don’t address certain assets or issues during your divorce, you will need to address them eventually—and this may involve going to court, dealing with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), dealing with your lenders, and dealing with a variety of other matters that require experienced legal representation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Gurnee, IL Divorce Lawyer Deanna J. Bowen
Do you have questions about hiring a divorce lawyer in Illinois? If so, we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free consultation with Gurnee, IL divorce lawyer Deanna J. Bowen, please call 847-623-4002 or contact us online today.
