The holiday season is often thought of as a time of joy and celebration. It provides many people with opportunities to spend time with their loved ones, give gifts, remember positive experiences from throughout the year, and prepare for the year to come. However, for those who are going through a divorce or who are adjusting to life after divorce, this time of year can be especially challenging. The stress and emotions surrounding divorce can be heightened during the holiday season, and ongoing disagreements may make it difficult to get the most out of holiday celebrations. 

If you are dealing with divorce-related issues but want to try to enjoy the holidays as much as possible, it is important to take care of yourself and find healthy coping mechanisms. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can address any legal issues that may arise and ensure that your rights and interests will be protected. At the same time, you can take steps to protect yourself emotionally and get through the holiday season successfully. Here are some tips for how you can do so:

1. Prioritize Self-Care

During times of stress, it is crucial to make sure you are taking care of your own needs. You can set good habits for maintaining your physical health by getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. You can also help manage your mental health by allowing yourself to feel the emotions you are experiencing without judgment and seeking therapy or counseling if needed. Additionally, you can make time for things that give you joy and help you relax—whether that may involve reading, participating in hobbies, or practicing mindfulness techniques.

Divorce cases can be complex and contentious, and there are a variety of financial issues that will need to be addressed. When it comes to dividing marital assets and determining whether spousal support will be appropriate, it is crucial to make sure both parties have a full understanding of how their incomes, assets, and other financial factors may affect their case. In many divorces, the involvement of a forensic accountant may be necessary to ensure that a fair settlement can be reached. An attorney with experience in complex divorce cases can provide guidance on whether the assistance of a forensic accountant may be necessary, and they can make sure all legal and financial concerns will be addressed correctly during the divorce process.

What Is a Forensic Accountant?

Forensic accountants are professionals who combine their knowledge of accounting with investigative skills to analyze financial information. They can play an important role in divorce cases by helping to uncover hidden assets, assess the value of businesses or investments, determine income for spousal or child support calculations, and assist with other financial concerns.

Uncovering Hidden Assets

In some divorce cases, one spouse may attempt to hide assets in order to benefit themselves or avoid sharing certain forms of property with their former partner. Forensic accountants can dig deep into financial records and transactions in order to identify any concealed or undervalued assets. They may be able to identify assets such as offshore accounts, real estate holdings, investments, businesses, and valuable collections or artwork.

Every divorce has its complications, but some cases may require spouses to address complex financial issues and other concerns that may affect them and their children. In some cases, one spouse may have been primarily responsible for caring for the couple’s children and managing the household, and they may not currently work full-time. A stay-at-home parent may focus on family responsibilities, and the other parent may be primarily responsible for earning the income needed to cover family expenses. 

In these situations, the end of a marriage can bring significant changes and uncertainties. A couple will need to resolve a number of legal and financial concerns, while also making decisions about how they will share custody of their children. For both stay-at-home parents and spouses who work full-time, an attorney can provide guidance and legal representation to make sure their interests will be protected during the divorce process.

The Financial Impact of Divorce on Stay-at-Home Parents

Some of the most immediate concerns for stay-at-home parents facing divorce will be related to financial matters. Without their partner's income to rely on, a parent who does not work full-time may suddenly find themselves without a source of financial support. This can be especially daunting for a person who has been out of the workforce for an extended period. They may worry about whether they will need to return to work and how they can make sure their children’s ongoing needs will be met, and they may also be concerned about their ability to support themselves without recent work experience.

Child custody cases can be complex, and they will involve a variety of legal issues, financial concerns, and other factors. These issues will determine how parents will make decisions for their children, where children will live, and how parents will share the costs involved in providing for their children’s ongoing needs. If one parent wishes to relocate with their child to a new home in a different city or state, they will need to follow certain procedures, and modifications to child custody orders may be required. 

In Illinois, parental relocation laws have been established to address these situations. Courts will take steps to protect the best interests of the child while also considering the rights of both parents. If you are planning to move with your child, or if your ex has informed you of their plans to relocate, it is important to understand what procedures will be followed and how you can address requests to modify child custody. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to protect your parental rights and resolve any disputes that may arise regarding parental relocation.

When Is a Move Considered Parental Relocation?

A parent will generally be allowed to move short distances, and no approvals or modifications may be required if they will be living in a new home within the same general geographic area. However, moves beyond a certain distance are considered to be relocations that will require court approval. Under Illinois law, the following types of moves are considered to be parental relocation:

The process of divorce can be complex, especially for spouses who need to determine how to divide assets such as family businesses. One important aspect to consider during a divorce is the valuation of any businesses owned by either spouse. For business owners and their spouses, determining the value of business assets is a crucial aspect of ensuring an equitable distribution of marital assets. When addressing issues related to business valuation and division, an attorney who has experience handling these concerns can be an invaluable resource, and they can advocate for a fair division of marital property.

What Is a Business Valuation?

A business valuation is an assessment conducted by financial experts to determine the fair market value of a company. This valuation provides an accurate picture of how much the business is worth. A comprehensive valuation of business assets can play a significant role in property division negotiations during divorce proceedings.

Why Is Business Valuation Necessary in Divorce Cases?

Determining the value of a business during divorce can help ensure that each spouse will receive their fair share of marital assets. Without a proper valuation, both spouses may not understand the actual monetary value of business assets. A review of a business’s financial information may also uncover discrepancies, and it can ensure that a spouse cannot use a business to hide assets or unfairly influence the property division process.