Going through a divorce can be extremely difficult for Illinois residents and for anyone else going through the dissolution of a marriage. Divorce takes an emotional toll on its participants, and it’s easy for them to make mistakes during this time. The problem with those mistakes is that they could have lifetime implications. Knowing what these mistakes are in advance can make all the difference in the end.
What are some of the mistakes people make when divorcing?
One mistake people make when considering divorce is not understanding what the financial implications will be on their lifestyles. If one parent is responsible for paying alimony and child support, that could have an impact on their own day-to-day living expenses. Some people are not prepared for the potential reduction in lifestyle that takes place after a divorce.
Sometimes people are unaware what the tax implications of a divorce are. This is especially the case when there are key assets to divide or when businesses are being split up or bought out. Being unaware of tax issues can lead to extremely costly surprises down the road.
Another mistake people often make is not updating their estate plans or wills. The designations that were set up prior to the divorce may no longer be relevant after the divorce. They may wish to completely revise their estate plans and wills, or they may need to tighten them up for the sake of any children.
What can people considering divorce do to avoid costly mistakes?
If people considering divorce want to avoid mistakes that could severely harm them down the road, they may wish to work with family law attorneys who have experience with this very issue. These attorneys may be able to help them with advice regarding issues like divvying up assets and creating post-divorce financial plans that work for everyone involved.