Sometimes couples will embark on a trial separation to decide whether divorce is the right decision or may just decide to leave the marital home knowing divorce is imminent. Before you separate or move out of the marital home, it is important to discuss your plans with a family law attorney.
Even an initial consultation will help you understand the process and shed a light on your vulnerabilities, financial or otherwise. Most family law attorneys offer a free initial consolation, but even if you have to pay for an hour of an experienced attorney’s time, it is money well spent. The advice you receive will likely prove invaluable.
To prepare for your appointment to discuss a separation or a divorce, it is best to write down your questions before the meeting to make the most of your time. Prioritize your list so that you can discuss the key issues that concern you most such as child custody or property division.
If it is a matter of you feeling uncomfortable with your spouse caring for the children, for example, you can explain your reasons for feeling uneasy – perhaps your spouse is an incompetent caregiver – and propose your ideas to resolve the issue so that your attorney can provide you targeted feedback. If you are concerned that your spouse will get the lion’s share of the property if you walk away, an attorney can provide you with information to protect your assets.
If you still feel that you have more questions after your initial appointment, set up another meeting to get clarification. Another hour is a worthwhile investment to ensure you have the information you need to take the next step, whether that means hiring an attorney or handling it on your own – an experienced family law attorney will be able to tell you whether legal services are advisable in your case.
If you do need legal representation, you can decide if the attorney is a good fit based on their experience, knowledge, and how easily you are able to communicate with the attorney. He or she can handle your legal separation or divorce helping you avoid costly mistakes regarding property division and marital debt, parenting time and responsibility, spousal support and more.
If you are considering separating from your spouse, contact the Libertyville Law Offices of Schlesinger & Strauss LLC before signing any legal documents of consequence whether they be leases, mortgages, transfers, or loans and see an attorney before you physically separate to preserve your rights. Call our Illinois legal separation attorneys today at 847-680-4970 or send us an email.
