Illinois Divorce by the Numbers

 Posted on December 31, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce across the United States peaked in 1981, dropping by almost 8 percent forty years later, in 2021. In addition to being an often difficult, usually emotional process, divorce is made up of numbers. There are the actual divorce statistics – like those above - to consider. Then, once you get to the divorce itself, there is a wide array of numbers involving finances, asset division, spousal support, and child support, to name a few.

While no one wants to think their marriage has come down to numbers, the dissolution of a marriage is very much like the dissolution of a business partnership – and the numbers matter in both cases.  The more you know about these numbers, the more you will understand the divorce process and the more likely you are to have the most positive outcome possible.

Before you get to all the numbers directly associated with divorce, you must consider the number one. You need one highly skilled, experienced divorce attorney who is committed to getting you through this stressful time as quickly and easily as possible. When you have a knowledgeable Yorkville, IL family law attorney by your side, you can focus on your future while your attorney advocates on your behalf.

What Are the Ten Top Reasons for Divorce?

While every divorce is unique, many have at least some things in common. The ten top reasons for divorce include:

1. Marrying young
2. Pregnancy prior to marriage
3. Financial problems
4. Living together prior to marriage
5. A family history of divorce
6. Lower-income
7. Less education
8. No religious affiliation
9. Incompatibility issues, including infidelity, substance abuse, and domestic violence
10.  Outside influences like in-laws

When Is Divorce Most Likely to Occur in a Marriage?

Divorces tend to occur between years one and two and years five and eight, with the biggest percentage occurring between years seven and eight. The seventh year of marriage is sometimes known as the "seven-year itch." The term describes one or both marital partners feeling restless or dissatisfied in the relationship.

What Are the Seven Most Important Financial Numbers?

A spouse who has not been significantly involved in the couple’s finances will need to get up to speed as quickly as possible. These are the most important financial documents as they relate to your divorce:

1. Tax returns for the past three to five years, including business tax returns if you and/or your spouse have a business.
2. Bank statements for all joint bank accounts
3. Income from both spouse’s jobs
4. Mortgage documents
5. Credit card statements
6. Vehicle loan documents
7. Rental income, stocks, and retirement account information

Asset division will rarely be exactly 50-50 in an equitable distribution state like Illinois but generally falls roughly in the 55-45 range.

Key Numbers Regarding Child Support

Child support is calculated using the following numbers:

• Calculate each parent’s gross and net income.
• Basic child support for one child in Illinois is $1,215 per month.
• Add in extra expenses like childcare and medical insurance for total support obligation.
•  Divide each parent’s adjusted net income by the combined net income to get the percentage of contribution for each parent.
•  Multiply this percentage by the total support obligation to get the amount each parent must pay toward the child’s support.
• Factor in which parent the child primarily lives with; shared parenting is when each parent has the child at least 146 days out of the year. Child support is adjusted based on how parental responsibilities are allocated.

Spousal support determination has its own set of numbers to determine the length and amount of support awarded.

Contact a Kendall County, IL Divorce Lawyer

As you can see, there are many numbers involved in a divorce. If you want to be able to focus on getting your life back on track, an experienced Oswego, IL divorce attorney can handle all the legalities associated with divorce, giving you the time you need to reimagine your future. Attorney Williams has a special focus on collaborative divorce and mediation, allowing couples to reduce costs while having a more amicable divorce. Contact The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 to schedule an initial attorney meeting.