Six Steps to Take Now If You Know Divorce Is On The Horizon

 Posted on February 18, 2026 in Divorce

Marriages end for countless reasons. Some gradually break down over the course of years or decades. Other marriages end abruptly because a spouse has an affair or violates the other spouse’s trust. Sometimes, spouses simply fall out of love. If your marriage has reached the point of no return and divorce is imminent, there are things you can do now to make the divorce process easier.

At Goostree Law Group, we have decades of legal experience helping spouses through the divorce process. We can represent you in a contested or uncontested divorce, adapting our strategy to the level of conflict between you and your spouse. Even if you have not initiated the divorce process yet, our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys can advise you on what to do and how to move forward.

How to Prepare for a Divorce in 2026

Divorce is a difficult process to go through, but preparing in advance can help you tackle divorce issues like property division, spousal maintenance, and child-related matters. If you know your marriage is beyond saving and you will soon divorce, consider taking the following steps:

Gather Financial Documents

Many divorce issues revolve around money and property. One of the best things you can do to prepare for divorce is to find and organize financial documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, mortgage documents, vehicle titles, and credit card statements. Make copies of these documents as they will be needed later in the process.

Do not forget retirement and employment benefits. Print your most recent 401(k), IRA, pension, and stock plan statements. If you have health insurance through work, keep a copy of the plan details and the most recent premium information. These details can affect support talks and your post-divorce budget.

Take Inventory of Your Property

It is a good idea to make a list of your assets and debts. Make sure to include a list of any sentimental items or family heirlooms that are important to you. Take clear photos or short videos of major items in the home, including furniture, tools, electronics, and jewelry. Save the files in a secure place. This can help if items "disappear" later, or if you need to remember what existed and what condition it was in.

If you own higher-value property, you may want to gather any paperwork that shows when you got it and what you paid. That can include receipts, appraisals, or emails. Timing is important in Illinois because it can help you and your lawyer sort out what is marital and what might be separate (750 ILCS 5/503).

Learn About Illinois Divorce Laws

Do you know how divorce works in Illinois? Educating yourself about the current divorce laws can help you understand what to expect and give you a sense of control. It also helps to learn the basic set of issues the court must resolve. Property division, support (maintenance), and parenting issues all have different rules. When you understand the categories, you can spot what documents and questions will help move your case forward.

Decide How You Will Tell Your Children About the Divorce

Some authorities on children’s health, like the Child Mind Institute, suggest that parents tell the children about divorce together. However, this is not always feasible. It may be best to plan the conversation in advance so you cover the necessary information and provide the comfort your children need.

Many children hear "divorce" and think it means a parent is leaving them. Your words should address that fear. Keep the message simple, and repeat the basics: both parents love them, and the divorce is not their fault.

Start Thinking About Your Financial Future

Divorce will likely impact your financial situation dramatically. It is important to start saving money and planning your post-divorce budget. You may decide to change careers, go back to school, or take a second job after the split. It is never too early to start exploring your options.

Build Your Support Team

Start gathering people who can support you during this major transition. A skilled divorce lawyer can provide the legal advice and assistance you need. But it is also important to build a personal support system of friends, family, counselors, or other individuals who will be there for you during the divorce process.

How Long Will My Divorce Take?

If you and your spouse agree on major terms, an uncontested divorce can move faster because you spend less time in discovery and court. Contested cases often take longer because the court has to resolve disputes, and the process can include formal information exchanges, motions, and hearings.

Time can also depend on whether one spouse fights the divorce itself. Illinois does not require a set "waiting period" to file, but living separate and apart for at least six months can create an irrebuttable presumption of irreconcilable differences. That presumption can reduce arguments about whether the marriage is over.

Hidden assets are another major delay. If one spouse owns a business, is self-employed, or uses cash income, the case may take longer because records are harder to track. The same is true when there are large retirement accounts, multiple properties, or concerns about missing money.

Estimating the Cost of a Divorce in Illinois

Divorce costs tend to rise when conflict rises. When spouses cannot agree, lawyers may need to spend time on discovery, court filings, and hearings. Depositions, business valuations, and parenting evaluations can add more expense. Even small disputes can get costly if they repeat over and over.

Mediation can sometimes reduce costs because it helps spouses reach an agreement without a trial. But if mediation fails, you may still pay for that time and then need to pay for litigation as well. The best way to control costs is to stay organized, respond to requests on time, and focus on the issues that truly change the outcome.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is never easy, but having strong legal representation on your side can alleviate some of the burdens. Call 630-584-4800 for a free consultation with the experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorneys at Goostree Law Group.