5 Reasons Why Couples Considering a Divorce in Chicago May Try Legal Separation First
If there is one thing that is true in all Chicago divorce cases once a divorce decree is entered: the marriage is officially and finally over, and the now ex-spouses subject to the divorce are free to remarry. Indeed, the Chicago divorce process is certainly permanent, and once a person goes through the process, they can move forward with their lives without the obligations and responsibilities (and in many cases, also the headache) that come with being married to another person under Illinois marriage and divorce laws. However, for some couples and individuals in Chicago, the marriage may seem “over” but there may be good reasons to stay legally married, even if they wish to live their lives physically and legally apart. Fortunately, for these couples, there is another option to a Chicago divorce: legal separation. But why would a couple or individual choose legal separation over a divorce in Chicago? To help Chicago couples and individuals better understand some of the benefits of a legal separation in Chicago, we discuss five reasons Chicago couples may consider separation here.
- Cultural and Religious Considerations and Chicago Separation
One of the reasons that a couple may opt for a separation and not a divorce is because of their cultural or religious practices and beliefs. For some Chicago couples, divorce is not allowed or is frowned-upon in their culture or religion, making a separation an attractive option over the Chicago divorce process.
- Federal Benefits – Social Security Disability
Secondly, one thing that individuals and couples in Chicago may not be aware of is that their eligibility to receive certain federal benefits may be impacted if they divorce from their spouse. A separation may provide the couple a chance to live separately, but not lose important federal benefits.
- Health Insurance Benefits
Similarly, depending on the couple’s health insurance plan, getting a divorce may impact their health insurance benefits if they officially divorce from their spouse. A Chicago legal separation may prevent the couple from losing important health benefits and their health insurance plan.
- Expiration of a Legal Separation
Illinois marriage and divorce laws allow a couple that has entered into the legal separation process to be separated indefinitely. This means that there is no expiration on the legal separation.
- Tax Benefits and Legal Separation
Finally, just like certain federal benefits and health insurance benefits, a married couple’s tax benefits may be disrupted by getting a divorce. Accordingly, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about the full picture, and consider whether separation or divorce makes sense in your particular case.
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your Chicago divorce, contact the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma & Standeford, LLC. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer about your case today. Contact Arnoux Sharma & Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options now.
