When the economy feels uncertain, divorce can seem like a risk you’re not ready to take. You might be thinking about rising costs, unstable income or whether you can afford to live on your own. And if you’ve read articles or online threads that ask, “How are people even managing to divorce right now?” — you are not alone.
It’s common to stay in a strained marriage because the financial unknowns feel scarier than the emotional ones, but even in an unpredictable economy, you still have options and paths that won’t leave you starting from zero.
Financial considerations during a divorce in Illinois
Financial uncertainty makes every step of divorce feel heavier, especially when you’re trying to plan for your future while everything around you keeps shifting. In Illinois, the court looks at what’s equitable, not necessarily what’s equal, which means every detail matters when it comes to dividing property in a divorce and setting support.
Here are a few common pressure points we see during divorces in times like this:
- Your home: Refinancing or buying out a spouse can get tricky with high interest rates. Sometimes, selling makes more financial sense, even if it is not your first choice.
- Retirement accounts: Market dips can skew the value of your 401(k) or pension, which means timing matters — and so does how the split is calculated.
- Job loss or unstable income: If you are out of work or afraid of being the sole provider, you are probably worried about support orders. Courts do consider your ability to pay — but documentation is key.
- Business ownership: If your income comes from a business, fluctuating profits can complicate valuation, and yes, your spouse may have a claim, but how much depends on when and how it was built.
Each of these concerns adds weight to the process, but none of them mean you have to stay in a marriage that’s no longer working. There are practical ways to move forward, even if the future feels unclear.
How to divorce when you are worried about the economic outlook
You don’t need a perfect financial plan to begin — you just need to know that you are not stuck. If your situation is unsafe, unstable or emotionally draining, there are ways to move forward without risking everything you’ve worked for.
To reduce both cost and conflict, many people consider these options:
- Mediation or collaborative divorce: This option can reduce legal costs and help you keep control over the outcome using collaborative negotiations and mediation principles.
- Modifications: If you lose your job or your income changes after divorce, you can petition to change support orders later.
- Stay in the same home without divorcing: Some couples choose a “silent divorce,” where they remain legally married but emotionally disconnected. While this may seem like the easiest route short-term, it often leaves both spouses without clear boundaries or financial protections.
If some of these paths feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, that’s completely normal. The goal isn’t to have all the answers right now — it’s to take one step toward clarity, and that starts with knowing what’s possible.
When standing still costs more than moving forward
You don’t have to wait for the economy to stabilize before you take your next step. If you are stuck between fear and frustration, now may be the time to find out what’s actually possible. At O’Connor Family Law, we’ll walk you through your options and help you make a divorce plan that works for your finances, your family and your peace of mind.