Few people enter a marriage thinking that it won’t last, but the reality is that a good portion of Illinois marriages end in divorce. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, over 30,000 couples separated during 2011. In some of those cases, spouses may have been able to work together for an amicable split, but when one spouse is unwilling to compromise, the process can be made even more challenging. An attorney in Illinois would explain to someone going through a divorce that there may be some steps that can be taken to protect against a toxic ex.

Few people enter a marriage thinking that it won’t last, but the reality is that a good portion of Illinois marriages end in divorce. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, over 30,000 couples separated during 2011. In some of those cases, spouses may have been able to work together for an amicable split, but when one spouse is unwilling to compromise, the process can be made even more challenging. An attorney in Illinois would explain to someone going through a divorce that there may be some steps that can be taken to protect against a toxic ex.

Find a listening ear

In the thick of things, it can seem as though no one else understands the frustrations the come with having a spouse whose only goal is to make life difficult. It is important to remember that many people in the midst of complicated divorce proceedings know exactly how it feels to have little control over the situation. Speaking with someone who is willing to listen can be extremely helpful in keeping behavior in check to avoid retaliation. Some of the best options for support include the following:

Family members

Close friends

Professional therapists

A bad situation can be exacerbated when both spouses’ actions become negative and damaging, and sometimes having someone to vent to can prevent poor choices.

Keep thorough records

A difficult ex-spouse may attempt to lie or manipulate in order to get what he or she wants. A divorce attorney in Illinois would advise clients to maintain thorough documentation of all interactions with a spouse in order to provide evidence when needed. A record of everything from communications to time spent with children can be used to disprove fabrications in the courtroom.

Look ahead

Moving on is not always easy, but staying in the past can make it hard to focus on what is ahead. In some divorce cases, a spouse may attempt to bring up every past discretion possible. This not only slows down the entire process, but can resurface issues that have already been handled. Even if one party wants to rehash the demise of the marriage, it is best to look forward without dwelling on the past.

Obtain legal assistance

There are many legal issues that arise during any divorce, including property division, child custody and spousal support. Having the assistance of an Illinois divorce attorney may be able to prevent a spouse from trying to take control of the situation and make the process more difficult than it needs to be.