Law Firms Can Help You Determine If a Legal Separation Is Best
Divorce is
not your only option when things are going awry in your marriage. Sometimes
dissolution of your marriage is the only option. However, if there is still any
chance of reconciling you may want to look at other ways to take a break other
than going through the legal and emotional battles of a divorce.
A legal
separation is one of these options and does not end your marriage. When you are
legally separated from your spouse, a court order is issued outlining each of
your responsibilities while you are apart. You are still legally married but
living separate lives. Issues such as division of assets, child custody, and
child support can be dealt with in the separation
agreement.
This type of
agreement protects each parties interest until one of you decided to file for
divorce. It can also be used as precedence for the divorce. Many judges use the
separation agreement terms as the divorce settlement agreement. When coming up
with your agreement, make sure it is one you both can deal with permanently. A
law firm can help you draft the agreement and get it approved by the court. All
you need to do is provide them with the agreements you have both made on
assets, child custody,
and other matters.
A legal separation and a divorce are very
similar but there are advantages a legal separation provides over a divorce. You
are allowed time apart to determine if divorce is what is really wanted.
Medical and other benefits are still available. If divorce goes against your
religious beliefs, you are both allowed to live separately without going
against your religion. Remaining under a married status can allow you to
receive military benefits provided by the Uniformed Services Former Spouse
Protection Act. Social security benefits for spouses can also be taken
advantage of. If divorce is decided upon, the agreement can transfer as the
divorce settlement saving you a lot of time and money.
Anyone can
pursue legal separation on their own; however, family law attorneys can help
take full advantage of your legal rights and make the process much easier. Your
lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure you are complying with all
laws. They will create the agreement for you and file it. Just as in divorce,
if one party contests part of the separation agreement, the case will go to
trial.
A lawyer can help you through the proceedings. Do not use cost as an
excuse to go forward without a lawyer. Most family law attorneys
offer reasonable rates and a free consultation.
In order to
file for a legal separation, you must be able to prove that the marriage is
broken and cannot be fixed or that one spouse wants to live separately. This is
done by filing a petition along with supporting documents. If items are
contested the case will go to court. All other processes involving legal separation
vary by state and it is best to consult an attorney who is familiar with your
particular state's laws. A law firm can help you with any separation questions
you have.
A Raleigh
Divorce Law Firm very familiar with the legal separation process and
are a necessity when you are filing. They can make sure your rights are
protected and deal with the paperwork. If a trial is necessary, they can get
you through the process easily. Family law attorneys specialize in all areas of
divorce including legal separation. Look at website such as allenspence.com can
give you a better idea of what a legal separation is and what legal obstacles
you may need help with.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3791937
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