Legal Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce: Let a Qualified Attorney Take Lead
You and your spouse mutually decided to separate, and your spouse opts to file the necessary paperwork with a qualified divorce attorney. Aside from the emotional turmoil this decision brought forth, you realize that you will need to follow suit and retain an Illinois divorce attorney as well. You also realize that you will soon become quite familiar with the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5). But aside from the legalities involved, there are a few simple steps you can take to retain your composure and let your qualified attorney take the lead. While retaining a knowledgeable Illinois family law attorney is your primary line of dissolution defense, there are a few general legal do’s and don’ts to remember as you move forward in the divorce process.
The Legal Do’s of Divorce
- Retain an experienced matrimonial or family law attorney with the experience and knowledge of Illinois law. This is your best defense to protect your interests;
- When meeting with your qualified attorney, be honest. Share your concerns and divulge all financial assets and property, both individually owned as well as marital property;
- Remain flexible and practical. Find an equal balance from both sides of the legal table. This often results in a fair and equitable divorce decree;
- Document important dates to remember such as upcoming meetings and events, as well as pertinent discussion points; and
- Try to approach the entire process as a business transaction to relieve elevated emotional stress and to achieve the results you deserve.
The Legal Don’ts of Divorce
- Do not represent yourself. As under the same premise of the Legal Do’s of Divorce, retain a qualified attorney to help get you through the process and fight for your rights;
- Do not allow money to cloud your focus. Stay clear of greed, as trying to obtain more than necessary may only result in increased legal fees and may raise your emotions to an all time high;
- Stay focused. Family and friends mean well, but this is between you, your spouse, and respective attorneys; and
- Do not get off track. If you or your spouse are responsible for child support payments, continued maintenance support, or adhering to a child visitation schedule, maintain all payments and visitation schedules. Failure to do so will only erupt emotions to a boiling point which could cause additional legal ramifications.
- Do not allow your emotions to take over. During divorce proceedings it is imperative that you remain calm, cool, and collective and let your divorce attorney take the lead. During times of emotional stress, people often experience some form of metamorphosis where they become highly emotional. This can lead to a series of rash decisions.
If you are currently seeking a Geneva family law attorney, The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates have successfully taken the lead for clients throughout Kane, Kendall, Dekalb and DuPage counties since 1981. Through strong legal advocacy, sincere dedication, and personal attention, Attorney Warlick will provide you with skilled legal representation to ease the emotional tensions often associated with divorce by protecting your legal interests. Contact Attorney Warlick at 630-232-9700 to schedule your initial consultation today.
