What Factors Make a Complex Divorce? 

 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Uncategorized

 Divorce is different for every couple. An uncontested divorce involves both parties agreeing on divorce issues like property division and child custody. However, the many divorces are not this simple. Contested divorces are more difficult. The spouses do not agree on how to resolve divorce issues and the divorce may including complications such as custody disputes, high-value assets, and business ownership. In general, here are some concerns to look for that make your divorce far more complex.

Complex Factors To Look Out For

• Child-Related Issues - If you have children, this will complicate the divorce. The focus will revolve around who will be the sole caretaker for the child, parenting time rights, and who will pay child support. Child support payments may lead to questions about who will pay for the expenses of the child, such as potential medical bills or college tuition. The best case scenario to make these decisions less complex will be for the couple to create a parenting plan. This will help the couple decide what is not only in the best interest of the child but for both of the parents as well. Of course, even with a parenting plan, the ultimate decision will be approved by a judge whose main interest is in the child’s well-being. 

• Valuable Assets - A high-asset divorce is any divorce with expensive assets or substantial wealth. In these cases, dividing these assets can prolong the divorce and make the process more complex. These types of assets may include big-ticket items such as expensive homes and retirement accounts. In a divorce dealing with these types of assets, a forensic accountant may be required to ensure that all assets are accounted for and valued properly. 

• Spousal Support - Within a marriage, there may be a spouse whose job is to be a stay-at-home parent or a home caretaker. While these are jobs within themselves, but once there is a separation, this spouse will no longer have the income of the other party. To be sure that a lesser-earning party is able to become financially independent, the higher-earning spouse may have to pay spousal support. This can potentially lead to some difficult conversations about how much must be paid and for how long. 

• Relationship Conflicts - Divorces are already tricky, no relationship is perfect, but serious issues that severely impact a relationship can lead to a complex divorce. These issues may include things such as domestic abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, child abuse, criminal behavior, or required rehab treatment. For these types of cases, courtroom intervention may be necessary. 

• Gray Divorce - A divorce right before or after retirement is what is called a gray divorce. This means that the couple has spent many years collecting finances, property, assets, and even debts that now must be divided. This complex divorce will take some very serious negotiation. 

Contact A Will County, IL Divorce Attorney

Divorce is already difficult to go through, and complexities like those listed above make this more difficult. If you believe that there are factors within your divorce that may potentially make it complex, our Naperville divorce lawyers can help you today. Contact us at Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. or call us at 630-355-7776 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6000000&SeqEnd=8300000