Every divorce is unique. Some are cordial and relatively simple, with the spouses coming to an agreement on all of the issues during mediation. Others are more complex and can lead to months of courtroom fighting. Because of these differences, everyone prepares for divorce differently; however, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that your interests are protected during divorce mediation, settlement negotiations and trial.

Financial documents

First, many Illinois divorce disputes involve finances. Who gets what? How will you divide debts and assets?

In order to be prepared to discuss property and asset division, you will want to collect documents that show what assets are on the table, including:

  • Financial account records, including checking, savings and brokerage accounts
  • Credit card statements
  • Home mortgage documents
  • Tax records, including your tax returns from before and during marriage
  • Evidence of your pension plans/retirement plans
  • Insurance policies
  • Family business records

While we are on the subject of gathering documents, you will also want to find and make copies of your birth certificates, marriage certificate, estate plan documents and, if you have one, prenuptial agreement.

Financial protection

Now is the time to protect the assets you have together and start your own financial accounts. If you have joint accounts with your spouse, establish your own checking account, savings account and credit card account. Your joint account should be used for family expenses and common bills during the divorce.

Children

When divorces involve children, determining child custody and child support takes center stage. Think now about what is in your children's best interests. Determining where you think the children should live is only one portion of what you will need to decide. Consider the details, such as health insurance, college tuition and holiday visitation time. Where will the children go to school? Who should make healthcare decisions?

Finding help during your divorce

This is a difficult time for you and your family and you cannot do this alone. There are many resources available to people going through divorce, including divorce lawyers, mental health professionals and financial professionals.

Source: Huffington Post, "We're Getting a Divorce, Now What?" Linda Descano, Feb. 2, 2012.