Filing for divorce is the first step in the legal process of ending a marriage. This usually means having an attorney draft an initial divorce complaint and submit it to the court. Although doing so starts the official legal process of divorce, it may not be the first step you must take when you make the decision to pursue divorce. In many cases, it is prudent to take a few steps prior to filing in order to ensure that you are as ready as possible. 

No two couples’ divorce journey will look exactly alike. You may need to take steps most sets of spouses would not need to worry about, or you may be able to skip a step many others would normally need to take. If your divorce is amicable, you may not need very extensive preparation. If your divorce is very contentious, more extensive preparation may be prudent. 

It is important for you to be well-prepared before the legal aspect of your divorce begins. Your attorney can help you determine which specific steps will help you be ready for the legal battle that may ensue. 

A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a legal document signed by a couple before marriage that specifies how assets and other issues will be divided in the event of a divorce. Prenups are helpful to protect the interests of both spouses by outlining certain expectations. You can hire a family law attorney to ensure that your prenup is enforceable and will work to protect you and your best interests. 

What Are the Advantages of a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement helps partners to talk about their expectations right away. Discussing finances can help couples understand one another's obligations and debts better. Those with high-value assets or business interests will benefit the most from a prenuptial agreement. 

What Should I Include in My Prenuptial Agreement?

When drafting your prenup, you must first identify the assets and debts that each party is bringing into the marriage. Both parties must be honest about their finances, or an agreement will not be enforceable. Assets and debts may include:

A divorce with spouses who experience high conflict or who have a high net worth is known as a complex divorce. While many argue that any divorce is difficult, this type of divorce follows unique criteria that make things especially complicated for all parties. But with the help of a seasoned divorce attorney, you can settle your divorce more effectively and favorably, whether it is complex or not.

Is a Complex Divorce Uncontested or Contested?

A complex divorce can be either contested or uncontested. Most people think of ex-spouses at odds when there is a contested divorce, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, it is a simple disagreement between both parties based on the distribution of assets, finances, parenting time, or alimony. 

A complex, uncontested divorce is when a few complicated factors are at play, but both parties agree on how the divorce should be handled. Here are a few elements of a complex divorce to keep in mind: 

Sometimes, marriages fall apart. Divorce can be costly, with major challenges for both parties. Although divorce is something you do not see coming, you can prepare beforehand. The legal paperwork of a postnuptial agreement can give you and your partner the security and peace of mind you need. This agreement can allow you to tackle many financial and personal problems before they happen. With the help of a knowledgeable family law attorney, you can ensure that your postnup is legally binding and protects both of your interests. 

What Should I Add to My Postnup?

Marriage is when the lives of both people come together completely. With divorce, the process is just as intimately involved, but it is a separation. If you have been married for years, the process can be messy. But with a postnuptial agreement, many factors are already put in place regarding separation. Here are a few areas of divorce that you should add to your postnup for a simpler and less stressful divorce:

• Marital property: Divorce in Illinois prioritizes equitable division of all assets. In your postnuptial agreement, you can outline how assets and debts are distributed.

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Grandparents hold a special place in their grandchildren's lives. Their presence often offers love, support, and guidance, which helps to create a strong family bond.

In Illinois, grandparents do have the right to seek visitation with their grandchildren. However, the law does not guarantee grandparents visitation rights. Grandparents must first prove to the court that visitation is in the child’s best interests.

Speaking with a family law attorney is a great step toward handling concerns regarding grandparent visitation rights.