Am I Ready for Divorce? The 4-Factor Divorce Checklist

Checklists

Divorce is a life-altering decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are reading this, you may be going through a difficult time in your marriage and are considering filing for divorce in Illinois as an option. This is undoubtedly a challenging time for you, and it’s essential to take the time to evaluate your situation and determine whether divorce is the best course of action for you.

Divorce can be a painful and emotional process, but sometimes it may be the best option for everyone involved. It’s essential to approach the decision with a clear mind and evaluate all aspects of your marriage. This is where a divorce checklist can be helpful. In this 4-factor divorce checklist, we will provide you with a list of questions to ask yourself as you consider the possibility of getting a divorce in Illinois.

Foundation – What is your relationship’s bedrock?

The foundation of any relationship is crucial, and it’s vital to evaluate whether you and your spouse have a strong foundation. The following questions can help you determine if your relationship has a strong foundation:

Did you date for an extended time (e.g. 2 or more years before you were married)?
Were you friends before you were intimate?
Do you have similar interests?
Do you have fun together (laugh, play, etc.)?
Do you have similar religious beliefs?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, your relationship may have a strong foundation. However, if you answered no to most of these questions, it may be an indication that your relationship lacks a strong foundation, which could be a cause for concern.

Financial Goals

Money is often a contentious issue in marriages. It is necessary to evaluate whether you and your spouse have similar financial goals. The following questions can help you determine if your financial goals are aligned:

Do you fight about money?
Do you know about all of your spouse’s financial accounts?
Does your spouse know about your financial accounts?
Are you and your spouse on the same page when it comes to monthly spending?
How often do you argue with your spouse about money?

If you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to financial goals, it may indicate that your marriage is financially stable. However, if you and your spouse are frequently arguing about money or have different financial goals, it may be a sign that your marriage is under stress.

Intimacy – Is It Alive In Your Marriage?

Intimacy is an essential component of any marriage. Intimacy does not necessarily mean sexual intimacy but also includes emotional and mental closeness between partners. Intimacy between married couples helps to sustain the relationship in the long run and differentiates it from all other relationships in your life. The following questions can help you determine if you and your spouse have a healthy sexual relationship:

Are you on the same page in the bedroom?
Does your sexual relationship feel like you are fulfilling an obligation?
If you are not happy with your sex life, what have you done to change it?
Why have you not tried to fix this issue?

If you and your spouse have a healthy sexual relationship and are on the same page in the bedroom, it may be an indication that your marriage is thriving. However, if you feel like you are fulfilling an obligation or are unhappy with your sex life, it may indicate that your marriage is under stress.

Trust and Respect

Trust and respect are essential components of any successful marriage, and at this time you need to evaluate whether you and your spouse have these qualities. The following questions can help you determine if your marriage has trust and respect:

Do you trust your spouse?
Does your spouse trust you?
Are you and your spouse open and honest with each other?
Do you and your spouse respect each other’s privacy?
Do you accept your spouse as is? Or do you want them to change?
Does your spouse accept you as you are? Or does your spouse try to change you?

Trust and respect are the foundation of a healthy relationship. Without trust and respect, a marriage cannot thrive. If your responses to these questions reflect a lack of trust and respect in your relationship, it may be a sign that your marriage is not built on a strong foundation.

An Amicable Divorce Checklist

An amicable divorce, or one where both you and your spouse agree on divorce is much better than a contested one. By going through this checklist individually, communicating your responses, and making sure you’ve done everything you could to make things work before finally deciding on divorce, you could have a better chance at an amicable divorce. If you do decide to file for divorce in Illinois, know that even an amicable one is not easy. There will be difficult days and difficult decisions to make, and you must deal with plenty of difficult emotions, but you can get through this. Seek therapy if you need to, surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and do your best to still treat your spouse with respect. Finally, get the help of an experienced divorce lawyer to ensure that you go through the divorce process with the least amount of difficulty possible.

Final Thoughts – Opportunities and Growth in Divorce

Divorce is a life-changing decision that should not be taken lightly. Before you make any decisions, it is vital to consider all the factors involved, including the foundation of your relationship, financial goals, intimacy, and trust and respect. It is essential to be honest with yourself and your spouse about your feelings and communicate openly and honestly.

If you are unhappy in your marriage, it is vital to first take action to improve your relationship. This may involve seeking the help of a therapist or counselor to work through your issues together. If you decide that divorce is the only option, then seek the help of a qualified divorce lawyer to guide you through the process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

Remember, divorce is not the end of the world. It can be an opportunity for growth and a new beginning. But it is essential to take the time to consider all the factors involved and make the right decision for yourself and your family.