Do you plan to be divorced in Illinois by the New Year?  At the time of this post, there are approximately 12 days until the New Year.  If you and your spouse want to finalize your divorce in Illinois before January 1st, here are 12 things to consider when you want to Divorce by the New Year:

1. Grounds for Divorce?  In Illinois the two most common grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences and mental cruelty.  There are timing requirements associated with irreconcilable differences, so you will need to know if you meet those requirements.
2. Custody?  Have you and your spouse decided on joint vs. sole custody?  There are three main issues that will indicate if joint custody is appropriate.  Do you know them?
3. Parenting time?  Have you resolved where the child/ren will be during the school year and summer months and do you have a holiday schedule?
4. Health insurance?  Who will cover the children and how will uncovered expenses be handled?
5. Child support?  Do you know what the guidelines are?
6. Children Expenses?  How will you divide such expenses?
7. Assets?  What assets will be divided and how?
8. Debts?  What debt exists and who will be responsible?
9. Spousal Support?  How much for how long?
10. Do you know the tax consequences of your settlement and obtaining a divorce before or after December 31st?
11. Who will be the Plaintiff and file the petition?
12. Obtain and attend the prove up hearing date.  How will you do so and are you aware if your county has time requirements for when to set a prove up hearing?  Do you know how to waive any time requirements? Do you know what documents you need to submit to a judge and that you will need to testify?

It is not impossible to finalize your divorce in Illinois by January 1st.  An experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help you accomplish your goal.  The Law Firm of Erin Birt provides a la carte Illinois divorce services and flat fee divorce packages to help clients achieve their goals of minimizing time and costs.  Call us today to help you answer the above questions and to learn more about your Illinois Divorce options (630) 891-2478.

llinois Divorce Attorney, Erin Birt, serves clients in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and Oak Brook as well as other cities located in DuPage County. We have experience serving clients in Cook County, Will County, and Kane County. Contact us to learn how you can be Divorce by the New Year.

Schedule a Consultation with Attorney Erin Birt