Legal Separation
Legal Separation
Deciding to get married is one of the biggest decisions that adult individuals make. However, it is not unusual for a couple’s circumstances to change over time and for one or both parties to want a ‘time-out’ – without necessarily ending their marriage altogether. In these circumstances, a period of legal separation may be called for. A legal separation can last for a short time before reconciliation, an indefinite period of time, while in other circumstances, the separation may simply occur before transforming to a final divorce. If you are contemplating a legal separation from your spouse, the experienced California legal separation lawyers at Miranda, Magden & Miranda, LLP may be able to help. Our legal team can review your marital circumstances with you and help you determine if legal separation is right for you, given those circumstances.
Miranda, Magden & Miranda
Steps of the
Legal Separation Process
What is a Legal Separation in California?
In the State of California, a legal separation, in and of itself, does not end a domestic partnership or marriage between spouses. Rather, a legal separation leads to a family court stepping in and deciding the responsibilities and rights that are applicable to spouses who wish to live separately and apart. The involvement of the family court, and decisions the judge actually needs to make in your case, will depend on the level of cooperation and agreement that exists between you and your spouse.
During the time that spouses are legally separated, they remain married. However, the separate spouses have access to court orders that can be used to assign child/family support and custody of minor children, as well as separate finances for each of the spouses. Spouses who are separated may also be in a position to keep some types of marital benefits. Those retained benefits often include life insurance and health insurance benefits.
How to File for Legal Separation in California
The steps that spouses must take in the State of California to file for legal separation are very similar to the steps they must take when filing for divorce. The steps to file for a legal separation include all of the following:
- Filing a petition for separation and including the required filing fee
- Making sure that the petition is duly served on the respondent spouse
- Being sure to file proof that the necessary financial disclosures have been served.
Unlike divorce cases that dissolve your marriage, there are lesser residency requirements for a separation petition.
Potential Legal Grounds for Separation in California
There are several potential legal grounds for separation in California. Most commonly, the petitioner spouse may allege that the couple has irreconcilable differences that have led to the marriage breaking down. In general, California is a “no-fault” dissolution/separation state, so either spouse may request a divorce or separation, even if the other spouse is not in agreement.
Speak with a California Legal Separation Lawyer about Your Family Law Matter Today
If you are considering a legal separation in the State of California, a knowledgeable attorney at Miranda, Magden & Miranda, LLP, can help to streamline the process for you and ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. For a legal consultation or case evaluation with an experienced California legal separation lawyer, please contact us online today for more information.
Call Our Office for Help with Legal Separation
Are you considering legal separation? Our experienced attorneys can help. We serve clients across Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Alameda counties and help them with their family law issues.
What Our Clients Have To Say
Read the reviews from our happy clients.
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing certain contact information herein, you are expressly authorizing the recipient of this message to contact you via the methods of communication provided.
© 2024 Miranda, Magden & Miranda. All Rights Reserved. NUVEW | Accessibility Notifications | Privacy Policy
