In this digital age, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have skyrocketed. With the help of creative websites and television shows that teach viewers how to do their own projects, rather than hiring someone else, DIY has become a valid alternative in a number of areas. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our society and the way we do things has completely changed. The high number of cases and demands for social distancing have made many people wary of going out in public, even for things as important as legal advice. Those considering divorce during these unprecedented times may be researching ways to complete the process without the involvement of a legal professional. While do-it-yourself projects may be a good idea for some home improvement, it is not a smart option for legal proceedings.

How Does a DIY Divorce Work?

Every state has its own stipulations that go along with divorce, as is the case with all legal proceedings. However, if you simply type “divorce papers” into your favorite search engine, hundreds of options for DIY divorce papers will appear from which you can choose. They likely range in price, all of which promise lower rates than an attorney, yet the generic nature of these documents can lead you into dangerous territory. Simply requiring a signature and a few additional details, these documents may seem like a valid option to save you time and money, but armed with the following information, you should think twice about taking on this DIY project.

A divorce can trigger many different emotions, from anger to sadness to resentment. Although there are couples who part ways amicably, many divorces can be contentious. Such cases can involve disputes over parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. One of the biggest questions is who will be allowed to stay in the marital home? In many cases, both spouses feel like they are entitled to the house they bought together. However, usually only one spouse will remain in the home and the other spouse will move out. Determining this can be complicated and a major point of contention. 

How Are Marital Assets Divided? 

In Illinois, marital assets or property include anything that was acquired during the marriage. This can also be debts that one or both partners accrued. Non-marital property are things that each spouse owned before the wedding or acquired once they legally separated. Gifts and inheritances received by just one spouse during the marriage are still generally considered non-marital property. On the other hand, the home the couple lived in is often considered marital property, even if it was bought before the couple was married.

When it comes to splitting the marital estate, it is divided according to “equitable distribution.” This means items are divided fairly and may not be split exactly in half. The courts will consider several factors when deciding how to divide the assets equitably. Some of these factors include: