Advantages of Filing First for Divorce

 Posted on April 29, 2014 in Divorce

While filing for a divorce is never easy, there are several things that you can do to make the process easier. According to Forbes magazine, you can give yourself a significant advantage in a divorce proceeding by filing first.

Being first to file for divorce has a few legal advantages in Illinois. Firstly, if you and your spouse have been separated and live in different counties, filing first allows you to have the divorce decided in the jurisdiction where you reside. Additionally, it allows you to be the first person to present your case at trial, if you should choose to do so.

Choosing to be the first to file for a divorce has several other serious advantages as well. First of all, you can assemble a file with copies of all of your important paperwork, including bank and income statements for both you and your spouse. This may prevent your spouse from attempting to hide assets later. It also allows you the time you need to prepare for the financial impact that divorce will have on your life, as well as save the funds you will need to hire your qualified divorce team.

Lastly, filing for a divorce first allows you to avoid a situation known as “conflicting out” that can occur in more controlling relationships. In this situation, the controlling spouse will call and meet with all of the qualified divorce attorneys in the area in order to prevent their spouse from obtaining high-quality legal representation.

If you are considering filing for divorce this year, you need a quality divorce attorney at your side. Contact an experienced Illinois divorce attorney today for a consultation on your case. Having an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the law can help ensure that your case proceeds smoothly and that you receive all of child and spousal support you are entitled to.