How long can you be legally separated in Illinois?

How long can you be legally separated in Illinois?

Prior to 2016, the law in Illinois required a couple to live separate and apart for a minimum of six months before they could pursue a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. The standard requirement, in fact, was two years, but if the spouses agreed, the separation period could be reduced to six months.

Is it better to legally separate or divorce?

If you’re having serious problems with your spouse, a divorce might seem like the only way to split off and protect your finances. However, a legal separation may offer the same protection as a divorce and in some cases works out better.

What is my wife entitled to after separation?

Rights to Property after Separation: When You’re Married and Getting a Divorce. The benefit of getting married is that, in the event of a divorce or separation, you are entitled to a share of the property. The right to stay in your home unless a court order excludes it.

How are bills divided in a separation?

As part of the divorce judgment, the court will divide the couple’s debts and assets. The court will indicate which party is responsible for paying which bills while dividing property and money. Generally, the court tries to divide assets and debts equally; however, they can also be used to balance one another.

Do spouses inherit debt?

In most cases, an individual’s debt isn’t inherited by their spouse or family members. Instead, the deceased person’s estate will typically settle their outstanding debts. In other words, the assets they held at the time of their death will go toward paying off what they owed when they passed.

Is husband liable for wife’s credit card debt?

In common law states, you’re usually only liable for credit card debt if the obligation is in your name. So, if the credit card is only in your spouse’s name, you’re typically not liable for that debt.

What are my financial obligations during separation?

After separation, you’re usually solely responsible for new debts you take on in your own name. An exception to this rule sometimes exists, however, if the debt is incurred for necessities for your children, your spouse or yourself. Some courts consider such debts to be joint obligations.

How do I protect myself financially in a separation?

Here are eight ways to protect your assets during the difficult experience of going through a divorce:

1. Legally establish the separation.
2. Get a copy of your credit report and monitor activity.
3. Separate debt.
4. Move half of joint bank balances to a separate account.
5. Comb through your assets.
6. Conduct a cash flow analysis.

How do I find hidden bank accounts in a divorce?

However, divorcing spouses in all states can use powerful legal tools, called “discovery,” to help them find hidden income and other assets (discovery is explained in detail below). The first step in dividing assets during a divorce is to create a complete financial picture of all of the assets owned by each spouse.

How can I hide my assets before divorce?

The Truth about Financial Infidelity

1. Start by hiding any new income from your spouse.
2. Overpay your taxes.
3. Get cash back — lots of it.
4. Open your own online bank account.
5. Get your own credit card.
6. Stash your own prepaid or gift cards.
7. Rent a safe deposit box.