Are you considering divorce in Illinois? If you are, there are many things you will need to think about as you make this life-changing decision to end your marriage. At O’Dekirk, Allred & Associates in Joliet, we know that one of the most important considerations for you is how your divorce will affect your children. That often depends on the reasons you are considering divorce and the emotional well-being of your children.
Depending on how you handle the divorce proceedings, many children can understand why the divorce is necessary and with help can come to accept it. For other children, divorce can be a troubling event that stays with them for a long time. You know your children, the situation, and the right way to handle it so that you can make the best personal decisions that affect your whole family.
Some couples who are considering divorce feel that it would reflect as a failure and a bad example to the children. They believe that sticking it out shows their children that you don’t give up, and you work through bad situations.
On the other hand, many couples feel that staying in a marriage that has troubles is not a good choice for the children and that showing them that seeking personal happiness is a lesson that will serve them well. While some children are heart-broken, many others are relieved that the conflict with their parents is over. In today’s world, many parents are divorced, and most children have friends who have successfully transitioned from their parents’ divorce.
According to Illinois, grounds for divorce are simplified and may only be attributed to irreconcilable differences. This is important because a spouse does not need to establish fault, such as their spouse committing adultery, to file for a divorce and the reasons a couple is getting divorced have little to no effect on the process or outcome.
So, whether a parent decides to stay in a marriage for the children’s sake or not depends on the benefits they will receive from the divorce, as compared to the negative impact that will result from the decision to divorce. This takes into account so many personal decisions and concerns that only you will be able to weigh.
Some considerations are the guilt the parents feel from the child not having both parents living under the same roof, the uncertainty of being a single parent when the marriage is over, as well as how financially secure you will be. All of these concerns play into each person’s decision when it comes to divorce.
Of course, these are all very personal decisions. You may want to seek help in making this critical decision. You also may want to consult your financial advisor about how a divorce will affect your financial situation.
A free consultation from O’Dekirk, Allred & Associates can provide information and guidance if you are considering a divorce. We know how important it is that you discuss the personal issues, financial concerns, and your family considerations before you take the final step toward divorce.