There are a few tasks you’ll need to cross off your To-Do list when you’re contemplating divorce. You’ll make considerable headway by scheduling an initial consultation with a Chicago divorce attorney. This first meeting is crucial, so you want to make the most of your time. Your lawyer will be taking the lead on the essential legal requirements, but you’ll need to do your part as well by tackling a few items to prepare for your appointment.
1. Be aware of the issues you’ll address during divorce.
You don’t need to address the most minute details of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, but you should at least become familiar with the primary issues you’re facing. Depending on your specific situation, you’ll be working out arrangements for:
- Division of all property and assets acquired during your marriage;
- Spousal support – whether it’s appropriate and the nature of the payments;
- Issues regarding allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time for minor children – commonly known as custody and visitation; and,
- Financial support for minor children, which is typically paid by the non-residential parent.
2. Carefully consider your divorce concerns and objectives.
It’s important to seriously think about what you want your life to be like once you emerge from the divorce process. In many ways, divorce involves compromise, so you need to open the door to all possible opportunities. At the same time, you need to protect your future in terms of financial matters and your children. Consider these and other factors and write down your goals.
3. Collect relevant documents.
Because asset division, alimony and issues related to minor children are central to a divorce case, you’ll need to gather appropriate paperwork in your possession. Make sure to collect and itemize:
- Deeds, titles and other documentation associated with all real estate and personal property;
- Paperwork referencing debts, including your mortgage, car loans, lines of credit, credit cards and other monies owed; and,
- For both you and your spouse, information on wages, retirement, inheritances and related forms of income.
4. Jot down a list of questions.
Illinois divorce laws are complicated, so it’s understandable you’ll want clarification on certain issues. Your initial consultation with a divorce attorney is a chance to find out more about your rights and legal options. When you have a framework of questions in place, you’re in a better position to get the information you need – along with advice that guides you into making informed decisions.
Set Up Your Consultation with a Chicago Divorce Lawyer Today
These tips should help lay the groundwork for a productive first meeting with your divorce attorney, but there may be additional preparation tasks based upon your unique circumstances. If you have questions about what to expect, please contact Michael C. Craven to learn more about our legal services. You can reach our Chicago, IL office to set up your appointment by calling (312) 621-5234 or visiting our website.
