Your Spouse Filed for Divorce: What Should You Do?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DuPage County divorce lawyer

Getting the notification that your spouse filed for divorce can wreak havoc on your emotions and cause you to panic about your next step. That does not have to be the case, however. You can elect to consult with and hire an Illinois family law professional.

In order to get divorced in Illinois, your spouse must have some kind of “grounds” for the divorce unless he or she files a petition of irreconcilable differences.

There are several varying types of grounds that can be alleged in order to obtain a divorce within the state. These include:

• Bigamy;
• Adultery;
• Willful desertion (typically a period of one year is required for this to apply);
• Habitual drunkenness;
• Conviction of a felony;
• Excessive drug use (typically a period of two years is required for this to apply);
• Infection of a sexually transmitted disease from the spouse;
• Impotence; and
• An attempt is made to kill the spouse.

If your spouse has already filed for divorce, whether on fault grounds or through a petition of irreconcilable differences, you need representation, too. You should not attempt to go through a divorce on your own, particularly if your spouse has already hired an attorney to start the process. If this applies in your case, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney immediately.

Selecting an attorney with a background in family law and divorce issues is critical, because it will allow you to get the ball rolling quickly in response to a divorce filing from your spouse. Make sure you ask critical questions about division of property, child custody, and spousal support during your initial attorney consultation if those concerns are a part of your case. Knowing what to expect can go a long way towards preparing you and easing your nerves. Contact a Chicago divorce attorney today at 630-409-8184.