MICHONE J.RIEWER: HOW TO GET A DIVORCE

Let’s be honest. Divorce is hard. But the process itself doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for years or the decision is brand new, the first question most people ask is: How do I even get a divorce?

Here’s the truth: every divorce, yes, even the amicable ones, has to address some core issues. If you have children, there are five:

1. Decision-making for the children. Who has the right to make major decisions about the kids? That includes education, medical care, religion, and extracurriculars. This isn’t about the schedule, it’s about authority.
2. Parenting time. This is the actual schedule. Who the kids are with every night of the year. Weekdays, weekends, holidays, vacations. We help you build a realistic, functional parenting plan.
3. Child support. Illinois uses a formula that considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of parenting time. This is not optional. It’s required, and it must be addressed in every case. It also requires a plan for dividing expenses.
4. Spousal support. Also called maintenance. This isn’t guaranteed. It depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and their needs. When appropriate, we calculate the amount and duration.
5. Division of assets and debts. This includes everything acquired during the marriage, from houses and retirement accounts to credit cards and car loans. You don’t just split the good stuff. You split the whole picture. Remember in Illinois the division of assets and debts is equitably, not equally.

If you do not have minor children, you only have to address numbers 4 and 5. Even in an uncontested divorce, these issues need to be resolved, legally and clearly. That’s where the Strategic Divorce process comes in.

At our firm, we don’t wing it. We plan. We help our clients divorce intention. Whether you’re working toward a peaceful agreement or preparing for a courtroom fight, we follow the same thoughtful process:

Step 1: Strategy Session
We start with a confidential meeting to define your goals. Do you want to stay in the home? Share custody? Protect your retirement? What has to happen for you to feel we have been successful? This is where the plan begins.

Step 2: Information Gathering
We collect all the financial data, income, tax returns, assets, debts. Divorce requires full financial disclosure. You can’t divide what you don’t know exists.

Step 3: Legal Analysis
We explain what’s marital, what’s not, how support works, and what your options are under Illinois law. No jargon. Just answers.

Step 4: Negotiation
Most people can settle outside of court. We help guide the process, protect your interests, and make sure the agreements cover everything that matters.

Step 5: Finalization
Once the terms are set, we draft the documents, file with the court, and finalize your divorce. The hearing is short. The peace of mind lasts.

The biggest mistake we see? Thinking uncontested means uncomplicated. Even when both people agree, the details matter. Getting them right now prevents problems later.

At Strategic Divorce, we help you make smart, informed choices—so you can move forward with confidence.

So, how do you get a divorce? With a plan. With support. With strategy. That’s what we do.

Michone J. Riewer is the managing partner at Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.