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Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC.
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Have An Upcoming Divorce Consultation With A Chicago Divorce Lawyer? Here Are 3 Helpful Things You Can Do To Prepare

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Picture this: You live in Chicago and have been married for a period of time. Unfortunately, it has become clear to you that your marriage has become irreparable and you decide that it is time to seek out the help of a Chicago divorce lawyer. You research Chicago divorce lawyers online and pick a law firm that handles divorce cases in Chicago. You call the number on the law firm’s website and schedule a consultation with a Chicago divorce lawyer. The appointment is coming up, but you aren’t sure exactly how to prepare for it, and feel overwhelmed. If this is you, don’t despair! Here are 3 helpful things that you can do to prepare for your consultation with a Chicago divorce lawyer.

  1. Locate Your Prenuptial Agreement

If you and your spouse entered into a prenuptial agreement prior to getting married, then it is important to locate that document and have it ready to discuss with the Chicago divorce lawyer during your initial divorce consultation. A prenuptial agreement is essentially a contract that, if valid, will determine certain issues in the Chicago divorce. If there is a valid prenuptial agreement in place, the divorce process may be somewhat simpler, as you and your spouse have already agreed on how certain issues will be handled in the event of a divorce, perhaps such as child custody, child support, pet custody, the division of assets and properties, and other terms. Have your prenuptial agreement ready for your Chicago divorce lawyer to review.

  1. Know Your Financial Picture – Make a List of Assets and Debts

Whether you and your spouse entered into a prenuptial agreement or not, it is important to know what your financial picture looks like. Compiling all of the information regarding properties, bank accounts, stock accounts, retirement accounts, mortgages, tax returns, credit card debts, and other financial records that reflect assets or liabilities in the marriage is extremely important. Assets and liabilities are often heated topics in divorce proceedings, and the “who gets what and how much” will need to be ironed out. Having your financial information readily available will help to streamline the process, and will help you fully understand what you have and what you are entitled to.

  1. Make a List of Goals

Not every divorce ends in exactly what each party wants at the end of the marriage, and there is often much to compromise on. However, thinking long and hard about what your ideal scenario is at the end of the divorce process will help to identify what the end game is. Who gets physical and legal custody of the children, who keeps what properties, and whether you want to request or object to spousal maintenance payments are some issues to consider. Your Chicago divorce lawyer will want to discuss your goals with you so that they can best represent your interests in your Chicago divorce.

Help with Your Chicago Divorce

If you are considering a divorce in Chicago, contact the skilled and experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC, for a confidential consultation. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC are here to hear your side of the story, and can help you understand your rights, options, and next steps. Contact Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC today.

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