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Legal Separation: Understanding the Basics and How to Prepare

Last updated 03/19/2024 by

SuperMoney Team

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Summary:
Legal separation is a legal process in which a married couple lives apart but remains legally married. It can provide benefits such as dividing assets and debts, determining child custody and support, and establishing financial obligations during the separation period.

What is legal separation

Legal separation is a court order that recognizes a couple’s decision to live apart while still being legally married. The process involves filing a legal separation agreement with the court, which outlines the couple’s arrangements for child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and other important issues.
Unlike divorce or annulment, legal separation does not end a marriage, and the couple remains legally married. However, the court’s order will specify the terms of the separation, and the couple will have to follow them until they decide to reconcile, divorce, or terminate the legal separation.

How to prepare for legal sepa2ration

Preparing for legal separation involves understanding the legal and emotional implications of the process, and making informed decisions about your future. Here are some steps to take before filing for legal separation:
  1. Consult with a lawyer: Legal separation can have long-term consequences for your finances, property rights, and family relationships. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your interests.
  2. Consider counseling: Legal separation can be emotionally draining and stressful for both partners. Consider seeking counseling or therapy to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of the process.
  3. Prepare a separation agreement: A separation agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of your separation, including child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and other issues. Prepare a comprehensive and fair separation agreement with your partner’s cooperation and consent.

Types of separation

Legal separation is not the only type of separation available to couples. Here are some other types of separation:
  1. Informal separation: Informal separation refers to a situation where a couple decides to live apart without any legal agreement or court involvement. Informal separation does not have legal consequences, and the couple remains married.
  2. Physical separation: Physical separation refers to a situation where a couple decides to live apart and physically separate. Physical separation does not have legal consequences, but the couple can still file for legal separation or divorce in the future.
  3. Trial separation: Trial separation refers to a situation where a couple decides to live apart for a specified period to evaluate their relationship and decide whether to reconcile or separate permanently. Trial separation can be informal or legal, depending on the couple’s agreement.

Legal separation vs. divorce vs. annulment

Legal separation, divorce, and annulment are three different legal processes that can end a marriage or establish a separation. Here are the differences between them:
  1. Legal separation: Legal separation allows couples to live apart and establish legal rights and responsibilities without ending their marriage.
  2. Divorce: Divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage and releases both partners from their legal obligations and responsibilities.
  3. Annulment: Annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed. Annulment is granted only under specific circumstances, such as fraud, duress, or incapacity.

Is legal separation the same as divorce?

Legal separation is not the same as divorce, although they share some similarities. Here are some differences between legal separation and divorce:
  1. Legal status: Legal separation does not end a marriage, while divorce does.
  2. Residency requirements: Legal separation may have different residency requirements than divorce.
  3. Timeframe: Legal separation may take less time than divorce, as it does not involve dividing marital property and assets.

Legal separation requirements

The legal separation process is not as straightforward as it might seem. There are a few requirements that must be met before a court will grant a legal separation.

Residency requirements

To file for a legal separation, you must meet the residency requirements of the state where you plan to file. Generally, this means that you or your spouse must have lived in the state for a certain period of time before you can file for separation.

Separation agreement

A separation agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of the separation. It must be signed by both parties and cover all aspects of the separation, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. It is important to ensure that the agreement is fair and equitable to both parties.

Grounds for separation

In some states, a legal separation can only be granted if there are specific grounds for separation, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruel treatment. In other states, no grounds are necessary, and the court will grant a legal separation as long as the residency and separation agreement requirements are met.

Disadvantages of a legal separation?

While legal separation can be a good option for some couples, it is important to understand the potential disadvantages.

Limited legal protections

Unlike divorce, a legal separation does not dissolve the marriage. This means that you will not be able to remarry unless you get a divorce. It also means that you will not be able to claim Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work history unless you have been married for at least 10 years.

Financial burdens

Legal separation can be costly. You will need to pay legal fees to draft and file the separation agreement, and you will still be responsible for maintaining separate households, which can be financially challenging.

Emotional toll

Legal separation can be emotionally difficult. It can be challenging to live apart from your spouse while still being legally married, and it can be hard to adjust to the new living arrangements and the uncertainty of the future.

Legal separation FAQs

Do you need a lawyer to establish a legal separation?

While it is possible to file for a legal separation without a lawyer, it is generally not recommended. Legal separation can be a complicated process, and a lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the separation agreement is fair and equitable.

Which states allow legal separation?

Not all states allow legal separation. The following states allow legal separation:
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

How much does a legal separation cost?

The cost of a legal separation can vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether you use a lawyer and how complicated the separation agreement is. Legal fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

How long does it take to get a legal separation?

The time it takes to get a legal separation can vary depending on the state where you file and how quickly you are able to reach a separation agreement with your spouse. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to finalize a legal separation.

Key takeaways

  • Legal separation is a legal process in which a married couple lives apart but remains legally married.
  • Before filing for legal separation, it is important to consider whether it is the right choice for you and to gather all necessary financial and legal documents.
  • There are three types of legal separation: limited, permanent, and trial separation.
  • Legal separation can provide benefits such as dividing assets and debts, determining child custody and support, and establishing financial obligations during the separation period.

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