Placer County Family Attorneys Negotiate Legal Separations
Accomplished Roseville firm advises spouses who wish to live apart
Marriages are complicated and divorce might not seem like the right option for some Californians even when they no longer want to share a home with their spouse. Legal separation might be an intermediate solution in these cases, and a skillful Northern California family law attorney can help you make an informed decision. The attorneys at Patrick Law Corp in Roseville advise clients from Placer County and throughout the region on parenting concerns, financial matters and other aspects of legal separation.
California lawyers assist separating parties with parenting and financial terms
Though a legal separation or limited divorce does not terminate the marital bond, it is an important transition that affects you and the children you share with your spouse. We make sure that our Northern California clients have a thorough understanding of the separation process before making a decision on how to move forward, and provide detailed advice on:
- Filing and requirements — Someone who seeks a legal separation does not have to meet the six-month California residency requirement that applies in divorce proceedings. Likewise, there is no waiting period necessary before the order can be issued. As in divorce, it is a no-fault process where separation is granted due to differences between the parties. However, spouses can separate without having to complete a six-month waiting period.
- Child custody and support — Parents of minors must establish the same type of custody, visitation and child support arrangements that they would in a divorce. We work closely with clients to develop parenting plans that put the children’s needs first and address important issues such as vacations, holidays and transportation between the homes. After creating a time-sharing schedule, our firm looks at other factors, such as each spouse’s income and medical costs to work out child support terms.
- Financial issues — When a couple divorces, shared assets are usually divided and one party might be required to send spousal support payments to the other. In a separation, the financial issues are somewhat different and potentially more complex. The spouses might choose to continue joint ownership of the family home, vehicles and other key assets. For some couples, the ability to maintain insurance coverage under one spouse’s plan might be a primary reason for remaining legally married. Our knowledgeable family attorneys advise on items that might be divided, such as bank accounts, as well as compensation that could go to one spouse if the other takes full control of an asset. We also work to reach consensus on spousal support payments when one party earned all or most of a household’s income.
A legal separation can serve as a precursor to divorce or it could last for many years, so you should not enter any sort of agreement until you’ve consulted with a qualified family lawyer.
Legal counselors help clients decide if separation is the best option
Marriage involves much more than a romantic relationship, and there are several reasons why a couple might opt for separation instead of a final marriage dissolution. In some cases, one or both parties might believe that reconciliation is possible or hold strong religious beliefs that disfavor divorce. Tax concerns and access to benefits could also be important considerations. Our experienced attorneys offer knowledgeable advice on the legal and practical concerns associated with both separation and divorce. This way, you can review the benefits and drawbacks of each option before deciding how to proceed.
Contact a Roseville family lawyer for a free consultation about legal separation
Patrick Law Corp in Roseville works with California clients on various family law issues, including the legal separation process. If you are considering living apart from your spouse while remaining married, please call or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
