In the world of divorce professionals, language such as pre-decree and post-decree is used.  This can confuse clients and potential clients. This post will focus on What does pre- and post-decree mean? Learn more by reading below. 

If you don't want to bother with learning divorce law language and you want to avoid court or a divorce attorney, but need support to help you during your divorce, mediation is a great option to educate you about the process without paying a hefty fee to a divorce litigator. Book a free mediation orientation call to learn more. 

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What does pre- and post-decree mean? Pre-Decree:

Pre-decree includes anything that occurs prior to the finalization of the divorce.  It can include mediation, evaluations, drafting of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Drafting the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, drafting the Marital Settlement Agreement.  It can also include pretrial motions (orders of protection, restraining orders, petitions for temporary custody, etc) and pretrial conferences with a judge.

What does pre- and post-decree mean? Post-Decree

Post-decree matters start after the judge signs the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage and can include enforcement of the Marital Settlement Agreement or Judgment, modification of the Judgment, wage garnishment orders, Qualified Medical Child Support Orders, Qualified Domestic Relations Order (divide certain retirement accounts), Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Order (divide certain retirement accounts – such as for a teacher).

If you are retaining an attorney for an uncontested divorce or a collaborative divorce, discuss what pre-decree and post-decree mean with your lawyer. The attorney and the client need to be on the same page so there are no fee related surprises.

If you are unsure of whether you need to know What does pre- and post-decree mean and how to best protect yourself:  Contact our attorney today for legal representation so that you never need to worry and research What does pre- and post-decree mean? If you want to divorce with out a divorce attorney, check out mediation and book a free call today. 

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