Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can make. However, if you have reached the point where a divorce is the only option, it is essential to understand the legal process of divorce. In Illinois, the divorce process can be complicated and overwhelming. 

Determine Your Eligibility for Divorce

In Illinois, to file for a divorce, you must meet the residency requirement. One of the spouses must have lived in the state of Illinois for at least 90 days before filing for a divorce. If you meet this requirement, you can move on to the next step.

Grounds for Divorce

A spouse or both spouses must establish grounds for divorce before the judge will grant it. Irreconcilable differences, often known as no-fault divorce, are the only grounds for divorce that are accepted in Illinois. Irreconcilable differences are described under Illinois law as the "irretrievable breakdown" of a marriage. The spouses must either claim there is a breakdown in the marriage but that all attempts at reconciliation have failed and that further attempts would not be "in the best interest of the family" or they must be living apart for six months in separate households or within the same household at the time of the breakdown of the marriage.

Child relocation during a divorce can be a complex and emotional issue, and parents in Naperville, Illinois, must be aware of the difficulties that may arise during this process. When parents cannot agree on the relocation of their child, the court will make a judgment that is in the best interests of the child. This is where an attorney familiar with complex child issues can help you.

Deciding The Child’s Best Interests

Choosing what is in the best interests of the child is one of the trickiest problems with child relocation following divorce. The court will weigh a number of issues before deciding whether to grant a parent's request to move with a child. These considerations encompass the child's health—emotional, psychological, and physical—in addition to their interactions with other family members, including their siblings and parents. The relocation distance as well as the child's prospects for social and academic growth in the new community, will be taken into account by the court. The decision will also take into account any past neglect or abuse by one parent or the other.

How Will The Relocation Effect The Non-Custodial Parent’s Relationship

The effect of the transfer on the child's relationship with the non-custodial parent is another problem that comes up during a child’s relocation. The non-custodial parent may find it challenging to develop a deep bond with the child if one parent moves away with the child. Bitterness and resentment may result from this, which can make the already difficult co-parenting process much more difficult. Judges have the discretion to consider this possible negative effect and reject a relocation request on this basis.

 Prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly popular among modern couples. While not exactly romantic, creating a prenuptial agreement can be a responsible decision before getting married. Here are five reasons to consider getting one.

Prenuptial Agreements Can Protect Your Assets

A prenuptial agreement can assist in protecting your assets in the case of a divorce. When two people marry, their financial affairs become entwined, and any assets or money acquired by either spouse during the marriage are added to the marital estate. Any assets in the marital estate are distributed between the spouses in the event of a divorce. Your assets can remain segregated if you enter into a prenuptial agreement. Property classified as non-marital property through a prenuptial agreement will not be split. A prenuptial agreement can also be used to safeguard inherited assets or gifts from relatives and ensure those items stay in the family.

Prenuptial Agreements Can Protect Your Business

A prenuptial agreement can aid in protecting your company in the case of a divorce. In a divorce, businesses are treated just like any other asset. Without a prenup, your company can be considered marital property, giving your spouse a claim to a portion of its value. 

One of the most significant assets a couple may own is their real estate, including their marital home. The division of real estate assets can be a complicated and emotional process during a divorce. It is essential to identify and value all real estate assets and determine how they will be divided fairly. Several factors are considered by the court when dividing real estate, including a couple’s marital home.

Identifying and Valuing Real Estate Assets

The first step in dividing real estate in a divorce is identifying and valuing the assets. This includes any properties the couple owns, such as their marital home, vacation homes, rental properties, and undeveloped land. The value of each property is determined by an appraisal or market analysis.

Once the properties have been identified and valued, the couple must decide how to divide them. This can be done in a few ways, such as one spouse keeping the property while the other receives other assets of equal value, or the couple selling the property and dividing the proceeds. It is important to note that the division of real estate may impact other aspects of the divorce settlement, such as spousal support and child custody.

Going through a divorce is a difficult process that can leave you feeling emotionally and financially drained. However, once the divorce is finalized, there are still many important issues that you will need to address. One of the most important is post-divorce modifications. If you're a married couple in Illinois going through a divorce, here are some things to keep in mind.

Child Custody and Support Modifications

Child custody and support are often the most contentious issues in a divorce. In Illinois, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. However, circumstances can change after the divorce is finalized, and it may become necessary to modify the custody arrangement. Some common reasons for modifying child custody include:

• Relocation - If one parent needs to move to a new location, it may be necessary to modify the custody arrangement to accommodate the new location.

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