Three Divorce Considerations for Homemakers in Illinois

 Posted on September 27, 2021 in Divorce

Getting divorced is never easy under any circumstances, but it can be especially difficult as a homemaker. Although homemakers spend all day, every day, doing the work that keeps the household running, they are not formally financially compensated for this work. This can leave homemakers or stay-at-home parents in a tricky situation when it comes to divorce and its expenses. 

 If you are a homemaker or stay-at-home parent in Illinois and you are thinking about divorce, here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan ahead. Remember that a qualified Illinois divorce attorney is the best source for accurate information. 

Request Interim Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance - formerly known as “alimony” - can be paid from an employed spouse to a non-employed spouse during divorce proceedings. This is known as interim spousal maintenance, and it exists to ensure that people - generally women - are not stranded in a marriage because they fear they cannot afford the cost of getting divorced. It also helps support household expenses and the needs of any children during divorce proceedings. 

Gather Important Documents

Before you begin divorce proceedings, do your best to gather all necessary documents. Once a divorce has begun, a hostile spouse can make it much more difficult to access documents related to finances, including bank accounts, mortgage statements, and more. Try to collect things like paychecks, credit card statements, tax returns, retirement account information, and any other documentation that could be helpful when proving your spouse’s income or your ownership of shared assets. 

Prepare Your Finances

Once the divorce begins, your finances are likely to change substantially. Understanding your credit score, how much debt you have, and where you can get emergency access to cash are all important for planning in the case of unexpected events. If you can, save some money in case getting interim spousal maintenance takes time or is not awarded. Talk to family and friends you can trust and find out if you can stay with them if necessary. Do whatever you safely and legally can to prepare yourself if things do not go according to plan. 

Meet with a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Confronting divorce as a homemaker can be scary and confusing. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand - and that is why we will work closely with you to create a plan for your divorce that gives your stability and peace of mind. Set up a consultation with one of our experienced Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys by calling our office today at 630-462-9500. We look forward to speaking with you. 

Source:

 https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000