Things to Think About Ahead of Your Divorce

 Posted on March 14, 2025 in Divorce

It can be hard to accept that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. But at the same time, the decision to get a divorce can be a productive step forward for your life. Before you file for divorce, you should think hard about what this separation will mean for your future. If you are wracked with doubt over the decision to divorce, an Illinois family law attorney can provide you with legal advice to protect your best interests.

At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we provide personalized legal services to help our clients get through divorce. When you work with our firm, we will take the time to understand your goals so that we can more effectively negotiate on your behalf.

Where Will You Live?

If you and your spouse have lived together for years, you might struggle to imagine any other place to call home. Many couples get into heated debates about ownership over the marital home, but in other cases, your spouse might be comfortable moving out. Depending on where you want to live after your divorce, Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can help you prioritize your needs.

The marital home can be divided in a number of ways. A judge may be more inclined to award you with the marital home if you have majority custody of your children. However, you may have to refinance the mortgage for a different repayment schedule. Alternatively, you and your spouse could sell the house and divide the profits, giving you some options to find a new residence.

What Financial Resources Do You Have?

One of the biggest issues in any given divorce is dividing up marital and separate property. When spouses live together and share financial resources, the lines between marital and separate property become blurred. For instance, your shared bank accounts or retirement savings could be divided according to what Illinois considers equitable distribution, rather than what you think would be fair.

Unless you have a marital agreement that clearly states how your assets will be divided, you may have to negotiate for a favorable share of property. You may also be able to petition for alimony if you can demonstrate a need. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we can advocate for your right to financial stability.

How Do You Want to Resolve Your Divorce?

Divorces are either "contested" or "uncontested." In uncontested divorces, spouses agree to settle outside of court with minimal argument. Uncontested divorces also tend to take much less time, as a rule.

On the other hand, contested divorces often involve major disagreements over key issues like child custody or asset division. If mediation fails, then a contested divorce may have to be handled in court. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we can negotiate aggressively outside of court, but if necessary, we are ready to handle your divorce through litigation.

Contact a Plainfield, IL Divorce Lawyer Today

Planning for divorce is emotionally taxing, but you do not have to shoulder the burden by yourself. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., our Will County, IL family law attorneys can help you at any stage of a divorce.  Call our offices at 815-666-1285 to get started with a free consultation.