Divorce proceedings in Illinois can be lengthy and contentious. One potential strategy to ease these difficulties is to request a bifurcated divorce from the court. If this approach interests you, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Peoria Divorce Lawyer who can guide you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
How Does a Bifurcated Divorce Work in Illinois?
In Illinois, a bifurcated divorce enables couples to legally end their marriage while other issues, such as property division, spousal support, and child-related matters, are resolved separately at a later date. Essentially, the divorce process is split into two parts: the termination of the union and the settlement of remaining legal and financial obligations.
This approach proves advantageous when couples seek to promptly finalize their divorce status, potentially for remarriage or due to other personal or financial imperatives, yet remain unable to reach a comprehensive agreement on all aspects of divorce settlement. The following include, but are not limited to, some reasons for seeking a bifurcated divorce:
- One party desires a quick remarriage.
- Disputes arise over intricate financial or property issues.
- Ongoing negotiations are required for child custody or support.
- One party employed delays for blackmailing purposes.
- One party has a serious illness or faces a terminal illness.
- One spouse is experiencing severe mental or emotional instability.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks?
Bifurcation is not routine, meaning it requires the court to find appropriate circumstances. The court will decide whether to grant it based on the unique circumstances of the case. It’s important to understand that bifurcation can be more time-consuming and expensive than traditional litigation, as it requires more hearings and paperwork. It can also lead to complexities in managing property division and support agreements. Furthermore, it can reduce the incentive for parties to settle remaining divorce issues.
If you have concerns regarding the prolonged duration of divorce proceedings, there are various effective alternatives to bifurcation. An uncontested divorce represents one method for expediting the dissolution of a marriage. This process transpires when both marital partners reach an agreement on all salient issues pertaining to the divorce. The engagement of legal counsel is indispensable for facilitating a settlement, even in ostensibly amicable circumstances.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods provide highly effective avenues for accelerating the legal process. Mediation and arbitration can be employed in divorce cases. They present substantial advantages over conventional litigation, encompassing enhanced privacy and the potential for a more expeditious resolution.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at Butler, Giraudo, & Meister, P.C. Our legal team is prepared to help you determine whether a bifurcated divorce is right for you and the potential implications given the specific circumstances of your case.
