How Can I Prepare for Divorce Discovery?

 Posted on October 20, 2021 in Illinois Divorce

During an Illinois divorce, you and your soon-to-be-ex will need to address several important issues, including but not limited to the division of complex assets such as business interests and retirement accounts. You may also need to address complicated child-related concerns like child custody and child support. Reaching an agreement about these issues becomes much harder and more complicated when a spouse is not forthcoming about information. The discovery process is the fact-gathering portion of a divorce case. If you are engaged in a high-conflict divorce or a divorce involving complex assets, the discovery process may be quite involved. Consider the following tips for preparing for divorce discovery.

Gather Financial Records and Other Important Evidence

During discovery, your attorney may use several different methods of gathering information from your spouse. Of course, your spouse’s attorney will do the same thing. Gathering financial records like tax returns, pay stubs, mortgage documents, and loan applications ahead of time can make the process go more smoothly. Your attorney will help you understand what you will be asked to provide during discovery. Keep copies of text messages, emails, voicemails, and other communications with your spouse, as these may be important as well.

Make Sure You Have a Strong Support Network

Divorce litigation can be very demanding. Sharing personal information and discussing emotionally charged topics like who will get most of the parenting time or how hard-earned assets will be divided is understandably stressful. You need a strong support network to help you through this difficult time. Friends and family members can be extremely helpful, but many divorcing spouses also gain valuable support from professionals like divorce coaches or mental health counselors.

Practice Questions and Answers Before Any Deposition

A deposition is a formal meeting in which spouses and other parties are questioned about divorce issues. Depositions are usually in-person meetings. You will be under oath, and your answers will be recorded. If you later deviate from the answers you provided, this could be used as evidence against you. This is why it is crucial to prepare for the deposition beforehand. Your lawyer will determine the issues you will likely be asked about and help you prepare your answers. Practice going through these answers so you will be as clear as possible during the actual deposition.

Contact a St. Charles Divorce Lawyer

The skilled Kane County divorce attorneys at Weiler & Associates, Inc. know the challenges associated with high-conflict divorce cases and cases involving complicated financial situations. We can provide the legal guidance, strong support, and tenacious representation you need. Call us today at 630-331-9110 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ChapterID=59&ActID=2086