When a couple gets divorced, one of the most important issues to address is the division of property. The court will consider several factors when making this determination, including:

• The length of the marriage

• The contributions of each spouse to the acquisition, maintenance, and improvement of the property

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Divorce is a complex process, and navigating it is never simple. But luckily, there are a few common errors that you can avoid to make things much easier. Knowing and preventing these mistakes can significantly benefit you.

Not Preparing

One of the biggest mistakes in the divorce process is failing to prepare appropriately. Researching and gathering all the necessary documents allows you to build a solid plan. Here are some steps you can take to solidify that plan: 

• Collect financial records

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If your spouse is threatening to divorce you, it can be a stressful and emotional time. While taking the situation seriously is essential, protecting your rights and interests is also vital. Consider consulting with a divorce attorney to understand to get an idea of the divorce process as well as your options during this time.

Do These Things Right Now if Your Spouse is Threatening to Divorce

Here are some essential considerations if your spouse is threatening to divorce you, including:

• Seek legal advice – One of the first things you should do is seek legal advice. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, provide guidance and support throughout the divorce process, and work to protect your interests and assets. 

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 Substance abuse can be a challenging issue in divorce cases. If one spouse struggles with addiction, it can impact the entire family and create significant legal and emotional challenges. For anyone interested in getting a divorce from a partner who suffers from a substance abuse problem, there are essential considerations you must be aware of regarding how your spouse’s substance abuse may affect divorce proceedings. Divorce attorneys are keenly aware of how difficult this situation can be. Consult with an attorney, share your concerns, and create a plan with your attorney for how best to address the problem. 

Divorce Issues That May Be Affected by Your Spouse’s Addiction

Child custody is one of the most significant issues in divorce cases involving substance abuse. If one parent is struggling with addiction, having unsupervised visitation with their children may not be safe. In some cases, limiting or restricting the other parent’s access to the children may be necessary to ensure their safety.

Substance abuse can also impact the division of assets in a divorce case. For example, if one spouse struggles with addiction, they may have spent significant marital assets on drugs or alcohol. This may be considered dissipation of assets which can impact the division of assets and may require the input of financial professionals and forensic accountants. 

In Illinois, non-marital property refers to assets owned by one spouse individually. These assets are not subject to division during divorce proceedings. While marital property is divided equitably between both parties, the non-marital property remains with the spouse who owns it. However, it is essential to note that determining what constitutes non-marital property can be a complex process. 

Today, we are going to discuss what is most important to know regarding non-marital property in Illinois. If you are getting a divorce, contact an experienced divorce attorney who will work to ensure you understand your rights and that a positive outcome can be pursued.

Understanding Non-Marital Property 

Non-marital property refers to assets acquired before the marriage, gifts or inheritances given specifically to one spouse, or any property acquired after a legal separation. In Illinois, any property obtained before the marriage is considered non-marital property. For example, a vehicle that a spouse owned before getting married is his or her sole property. The same is true for other assets like real estate or business assets. Furthermore, debts acquired before a marriage are typically classified as non-marital debt.