It shouldn’t come as a surprise that divorce is never easy. The emotional, financial and legal ties can be difficult to untangle, especially if you have children.
The decisions you make during your divorce process can have lasting consequences. Illinois has specific laws regarding property division, child custody and spousal maintenance, and even small mistakes can make a challenging situation even more complicated.
Here are some common mistakes people make during their divorce and how you can avoid them.
1. Being dishonest about finances
Both spouses are legally required to fully disclose all their financial information, including income, assets and debts. Trying to hide assets can result in penalties or possibly being held in contempt of court.
Instead, be transparent. Gather all your financial documentation, such as bank statements, tax returns, property deeds and retirement accounts for the court. Honesty will help ensure a fair settlement between you and your ex.
2. Acting emotionally
Divorce can stir up some bad feelings such as anger, resentment and sadness. But if you let your emotions guide your decision-making, it can result in poor outcomes. Refusing to compromise on parenting time or fighting over assets can drag out the divorce process and increase your costs.
Focus on your long-term financial goals and your emotional well-being. If you have trouble controlling your anger, consider working with a therapist so you can make level-headed choices.
3. Ignoring the divorce’s impact on your children
Even if you’re angry at your ex-spouse, it’s important to remember that they are your children’s other parent. Parents who speak negatively about the other parent, involve the children in their marital conflicts or use them as messengers aren’t prioritizing the children’s best interests and could harm their custody case. It’s better to shield your children from the conflict and encourage them to have healthy relationships with both parents.
Another mistake many couples make is thinking they can go through the divorce process on their own. Divorce is complex, especially when it comes to property division and child custody. You don’t want to risk agreeing to terms that don’t protect your rights. Working with a legal professional can help ensure your settlement is fair and enforceable.