If a couple has accumulated significant assets or have kids, the process of dissolving a marriage can become acrimonious and highly contested.
For this reason, it is important to take steps to protect your rights as soon as you realize that a divorce may be in your future.
Below are three steps to take to maximize the chances of your divorce being resolved as favorably as possible.
Collect Important Paperwork
If a couple decides to take separate residences during the divorce process, as many people do, it may be difficult to access your home or anything in it.
It may become necessary to do things like open a separate bank accounts, rent an apartment, get insurance, or take other actions which require documentation like your driver’s license, social security card, bank statements, or paycheck stubs.
For this reason, be sure to collect this documentation while you can and store it in a safe place outside the home, such as at work or with a trusted family member.
Consider Your Social Media Posts Carefully
In a contested divorce, judges have significant discretion in determining issues like parenting time, spousal maintenance and child support payments.
They are allowed to consider any evidence they deem relevant, including the way in which a party to the divorce is conducting his or her affairs.
For example, people who are spending money on new clothes, lavish vacations, or nights out on the town, may not seem like they need spousal support.
Furthermore, such expenditures may be held against someone when dividing finances and property.
Certain conduct may also call into question your ability to provide a stable home environment for any minor children that may be involved.
While it is very common these days to share your life events and personal opinions on Facebook or Twitter, it is important to keep in mind that the things you post could have an impact on the way your divorce is resolved.
For this reason, you should consider your social media posts carefully.
Call the Law Offices of Andrew Nickel, LLC Today to Speak with a family lawyer in Yorkville, IL.
A divorce will have a direct impact on many important aspects of your life. The best way to protect your legal rights is to retain an attorney as soon as you realize that your marriage may be in trouble.
For a free consultation, call our office today at (630) 553-7111. You can also send us an email at info@andrewnickel.com.