3 Things Homemakers Should Do in an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on June 27, 2024 in Spousal Support

Divorce comes with many kinds of challenges. Spouses who decide to end their marriage often face financial, emotional, and mental difficulties. For homemakers or stay-at-home parents, these challenges are sometimes more pronounced. This is particularly true of financial difficulties stemming from divorce. Homemakers usually are not part of the workforce and have trouble finding gainful employment after the marriage ends.

As with many divorces, however, an experienced Illinois divorce attorney can help minimize these challenges or prevent them completely. If you are a homemaker facing divorce, consider discussing the following courses of action with your lawyer.

Ask for Interim Spousal Maintenance

If you are a homemaker or stay-at-home parent and your spouse is employed, a judge may order your spouse to pay you spousal maintenance, or alimony, after the divorce. This will provide you with some measure of support while you work on becoming self-sufficient. 

Sometimes, however, a spouse cuts off financial support before or during the divorce. In that case, you may consider asking the judge to order interim spousal maintenance. If granted, your spouse would have to pay you alimony during the divorce process.

The purpose of interim spousal maintenance is to offer recourse to homemaker spouses who want to get divorced but feel they cannot because they will have no financial support.

Prepare Financially

Getting divorced is likely to change your financial situation significantly. Make sure you prepare by understanding your current finances and what you will need. You also may consider doing the following:

• Collect all your cash so you know how much money you have.

• Know your credit score.

• Understand how much debt you owe.

• Talk to friends and family about any living arrangements they might be able to offer, as well as providing you with financial help if possible.

• Start a job search, even if it is for part-time employment.

Gather Financial Documents

When deciding whether to award alimony or interim alimony, the judge will review your and your spouse’s financial needs and resources. Gather any documents that highlight the difference between your financial situation and your spouse’s. These include:

• Bank statements

• Credit card statements

• Tax returns

• Pay stubs

The earlier you collect these documents, the better. If your spouse turns hostile, he or she may try to block your access to the financial documents and information you need. 

Contact a Skokie, IL Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce can be overwhelming, especially for homemakers who feel alone and find themselves lacking resources. A Rolling Meadows, IL divorce attorney can use certain legal tools and guidance to help you through the divorce process. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we offer our clients compassionate and professional legal services with a special focus on homemakers and stay-at-home parents. Call 312-984-1514 for a free limited consultation today.