How Do I Prepare Myself for a Complex Divorce in Illinois?
Posted on November 13,2024 in Divorce
You may have heard the term "complex divorce" without being entirely sure what makes a divorce complex. In general, a complex divorce is one in which at least one spouse is considered "high conflict" or extremely narcissistic or when the couple has significant assets or a business that will be difficult to split.
A complex divorce goes far beyond whether a divorce is contested or uncontested, although that may be one element. A divorce can be uncontested while still containing an array of complicated factors. If you are facing a complex divorce, speaking to an experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorney from Andrew Cores Family Law Group can be beneficial.
What Issues Make Up a Complex Illinois Divorce?
While each divorce is unique in some way, the issues that typically make up a complex divorce include:
- Strong disagreements regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities
- Issues about child support
- Heated disagreements regarding spousal support (whether it should be awarded and how much)
- Significant marital assets
- High financial net worth
- Lack of clarity regarding non-marital assets
- Issues related to child abuse or child neglect
- Asset division that is shaping up to be complex
- A history of domestic violence
- A family business that must be divided
- One spouse has hidden assets
- Significant levels of marital debt
- Business ownership or being a partner in a business
- A high-conflict or narcissistic spouse
What Are Some Things You Can Do to Prepare Yourself for a Complex Divorce?
There are things you can do that will help prepare you for a complex divorce. The first important step you should take is to speak to a highly skilled divorce attorney who understands how to deal with the complexities while ensuring your rights and future are protected. Once you have an attorney who will advocate strongly on your behalf, take steps to gather all necessary financial documents associated with your marriage.
This includes copies of tax returns for the past few years, including W-2s and 1099s. You should have a copy of all bank statements from joint and individual accounts, including savings, checking, CDs, and money market accounts.
If you or your spouse have retirement accounts, gather all associated documentation. All credit card bills, as well as mortgage documents for your home and any loan documents for vehicles or other properties, must also be included.
Make sure you have a strong support system when facing a contested divorce. The process will likely be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Having friends and family members to provide encouragement and support is crucial. In some cases, professional counseling can also help you get through your divorce in the best way possible.
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the contested divorce process. A complex divorce often involves lengthy, complicated procedures and negotiations. When you educate yourself about divorce laws in your state, you will better adapt to the process.
If you are expecting resistance from your spouse regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities, make sure you have organized and documented all relevant evidence to support your claims. If you signed a pre or post-nuptial agreement, have the document ready for your attorney.
Contact a DuPage County, IL Complex Divorce Lawyer
The better prepared you are for a complex divorce, the better your process and outcome will be. Your choice of divorce attorney can make all the difference in how well you are able to get through the process. Attorney Andrew Cores is currently a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and served as a past member of their TEC Committee. Choosing an experienced Wheaton, IL complex divorce attorney from Andrew Cores Family Law Group can help ensure a positive outcome for you and your children. Call 630-871-1002 today to schedule your free consultation.
