5 Common Divorce Myths You Might Believe Too

Too often, when contemplating divorce, people believe some common divorce myths that are seemingly based on common sense.  However, the facts are often different than what people think.  It can be detrimental to your case if you enter into divorce proceedings without understanding the facts about Illinois divorce law and how the courts work.  Below are five common myths about divorce and the corresponding facts that you should understand before filing for divorce in Illinois.

Myth 1:  My spouse and I will use the same attorney for our divorce

Fact:  One attorney cannot represent both spouses in a divorce. Illinois law holds that it is a conflict of interest for one attorney to advise or represent both divorcing spouses.  An attorney can represent one spouse and the other spouse can chose to be unrepresented by counsel (“pro se”).

Myth 2:  We’ve been married for 2 years so there will be no alimony

Fact:  Illinois law provides for the possibility of spousal support, called “maintenance” in Illinois, even for short marriages.  If a spouse asks for maintenance in a Chicago divorce and the parties do not agree, the judge makes a finding as to whether or not maintenance is appropriate. The judge considers all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the income, property and needs of each party and the age and health of each party.  See Illinois Statute on Maintenance. However, a party may waive his or her claim to maintenance.

Myth 3:  We kept our finances separate so there is nothing to divide

Fact:  Some divorcing spouses may be surprised to learn that their separate bank accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, and more may be marital property. These assets may be marital property even if they are titled in the name of only one spouse or only one spouse earned income during the marriage. Generally, Illinois courts have ruled that property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be marital property, but there are exceptions.  See Illinois Divorce Statute on Property.

Myth 4:  I am entitled to a portion of my spouse’s inheritance

Fact:  Usually, the law classifies inheritance as non-marital property. However, if the recipient has gifted the inheritance to the marriage or commingled the inheritance, it may have lost its non-marital status. It will depend upon the specific facts as to whether or not the inheritance has lost its non-marital status. Even if an inheritance has lost its non-marital status, in some cases the spouse may be able to recover all or some of the funds.

Myth 5:  We talked about it and agree so our divorce is uncontested

Fact:  For some spouses, speaking with each other about the terms of a divorce can be beneficial.  For one thing, it may help you think through what you want and do not want in the divorce. But, in some cases, the spouses are both incorrect about the financial and legal ramifications of the terms that they have discussed. Often, the spouses have not discussed the terms in sufficient detail to make the agreement legally enforceable. This is why consulting with an Illinois divorce attorney is usually the best first step to take.

Recent Post

Order of Protection for Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...

Key Differences Between Illinois Prenups and Post-nups

Illinois Premarital Agreements Most people have heard of premarital agreements (often referred to as "prenups").  The law defines prenups as contracts drafted and signed by a couple prior to their marriage.  Illinois has a statute, known as the Illinois Uniform...

Divorced Parents Disagree over Covid Vaccines

Now that Covid vaccines are approved for children that are 12 years of age and older, some Chicago divorced parents disagree over Covid vaccines. Specifically, some divorced parents disagree as to whether their children should receive the vaccine.  Some parents...

Filing An Appearance In An Illinois Divorce

If you have been sued in an Illinois divorce case, a Sheriff deputy, process server or other authorized person could serve you in person with the Petition and Summons (the "divorce papers"). The Sheriff deputy or process server might serve you at your workplace or in...

categories

If you are looking for legal advice and representation with an Illinois divorce, schedule a consultation with experienced Chicago divorce attorney, Tanya Witt, at (312) 500-5400 or info@thewittlawfirm.com.

Representing men and women in Chicago divorce and child custody cases.

This blog does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific case.