California Info
California Divorce
Start Your Divorce
Find Professionals
California Articles
Divorce Facts
Divorce Grounds
Residency
Divorce Laws
Mediation/Counseling
Divorce Process
Legal Separation
Annulments
Property Division
Alimony
Child Custody
Child Support
Divorce Forms
Process Service
Grandparent Rights
California Articles
Agreements
Attorney Relationship
Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Collaborative Law
Counseling
Divorce/General
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Partnership
Financial Planning
Foreign Divorce
Mediation
Parenting
Property Division
Spousal Support
Info Categories
Contemplating Divorce
Children & Divorce
Divorce, Dollars & Debt
Divorce Laws
Divorce Process
Divorce Negotiation
More Information
Articles Checklists Research Center Cases of Interest Dictionary Encyclopedia Encyclopedia (pop-up) Blogs
For Professionals
Advertise With Us Free Network Page Join Our Network Submit Articles Sign In Network Sites
|
Legal Separation and Divorce
In the United States, statistics indicate that half of all marriages will end up in a divorce or legal separation. Often people do not differentiate between divorce and legal separation - both refer to a situation where a couple decides not to live together any more. However, being separated is much different than being divorced.
What does legal separation mean?
Legal separation generally refers to a court order which acknowledges that a couple is no longer living together; the order also resolves all issues regarding the marriage. A legal separation generally means that both parties reached an agreement concerning child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support or alimony, distribution of property, attorney's fees, and personal conduct. However, in a legal separation both parties remain married to each other. Indeed, a spouse who is legally separated is not allowed to marry another person. Divorce, also known as a decree of dissolution of marriage, is also a court order, but it is for the purpose of dissolving or terminating a marriage. Both parties are allowed to marry another person following a divorce, since they have returned to an unmarried status. An annulment differs from a divorce in that it simply cancels a marriage.
What are the benefits of legal separation?
Legal separation often takes place when both parties prefer to stay married for religious reasons. That's why legal separation is often coined "Catholic legal separation," as it preserves the religious marriage. Legal separation is not only pursued for religious reasons, but also for tax reasons. Unlike divorce, a legally separated non-custodial parent may be able to deduct spousal support payments from his or her income taxes. Also, some spouses prefer not to wait for the duration of the state statutory waiting period for termination of marital status. That's one of the reasons that a legal separation is often pursued - to set the parameters for dealing with one another while living separate and apart and keeping the marital status, while leaving an opportunity for a reunion or resumption of marriage. However, being legally separated is not a requirement for filing for divorce. In other words, a legal separation is not a prerequisite to the dissolution of a marriage or divorce.
If you are considering a legal separation, divorce, or dissolution of marriage, you would be wise to consult an attorney who can give you legal advice about your particular situation.
Navigate:
Home
States
California Divorce Source
California Divorce Articles, News and Resources
Divorce - General, Laws and Process
Legal Separation and Divorce
In a summary dissolution, a hearing with the judge is typically not needed. A marriage of five years or less may be ended by summary dissolution, which is a simplified procedure to terminate a marriage in the state of California. With a summary dissolution, a joint petition is filed when 1) either spouse meets the standard residency requirement, 2) the marriage is irretrievably broken down due to irreconcilable differences, 3) the marriage is childless, 4) the wife is not pregnant, 5) neither spouse owns real estate, 6) there are no unpaid debts greater than $4,000, 7) the total value of community property is less than $25,000, 8) neither spouse has separate property (excluding cars and loans) of greater than $25,000, 9) the spouses have reached an agreement regarding the division and distributions of assets and liabilities, 10) both waive their rights to maintenance and appeal; 11) both have read a brochure about summary dissolution and 12) both desire to end the marriage.
|
![]() Find Professionals
Easily Connect With a Lawyer or Mediator
Have Divorce Professionals from Your Area Contact You!
|
Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Do Not Sell My Information
Established in 1996
Copyright© 1996-. All rights reserved by MH Sub I, LLC dba 3StepDivorce.