SAN FERNANDO VALLEY LEGAL SEPARATION LAWYERS

Comprehensive Legal Separation Guidance in California 

If you are not satisfied with your marriage but do not want to completely terminate it with a divorce, legal separation might be a good alternative for you and your spouse. Legal separation allows spouses to live separate lives and divide their assets and debts without ending their marriage.

If you are looking for a time-out from the hassle of your marital conflict, our San Fernando Valley legal separation attorneys at Kraft Miles, A Law Corporation can help. Our knowledgeable legal team can assist you in drafting an agreement that is suitable to both you and your spouse to ensure that your time of separation begins and continues smoothly.

Understanding California Legal Separation Agreements

A legal separation agreement is a legally binding contract between spouses that encompasses many of the same issues as a divorce.

Matters that must be dealt with in a legal separation agreement include:

• Property division
• Child custody and support
• Alimony/spousal support

The decision to end a marriage can be difficult, especially when children are involved. That is why so many people choose the option of legal separation prior to or in place of divorce.

Many couples choose legal separation because:

• It is reversible
• It gives spouses a trial period to determine if divorce is the right option
• It allows couples to keep their legal marital status for healthcare or immigration purposes
• It allows couples to refrain from violating religious or personal convictions about divorce
• It does not have a minimum residency requirement or a waiting period

If you end up deciding to divorce during or after a legal separation, California law allows you to convert your separation to a divorce. Filing for a legal separation also begins the six-month waiting period for a final divorce decree. This means you can start living life apart prior to the completion of the divorce process.

Can You Remarry After a Legal Separation?

In California, legal separation does not terminate a marriage, meaning that parties who are legally separated are still considered married in the eyes of the law. As a result, you cannot remarry after obtaining a legal separation. If remarrying is a consideration, a couple must pursue a formal divorce instead of legal separation.

Legal separation allows spouses to live apart and make important decisions about child custody, spousal support, and property division without dissolving the marriage. This process is beneficial for those who have religious, financial, or personal reasons for remaining legally married, but it does not grant the right to marry someone else. Remarriage is only possible once a final divorce decree has been issued by the court.

If circumstances change and either spouse decides that remarriage is a future possibility, converting a legal separation into a divorce may be the best course of action. This process can often be streamlined, but it’s important to seek legal guidance to ensure that all legal requirements are met before moving forward with remarriage.

Legal separation provides flexibility for couples uncertain about divorce but does not allow for new marriages to take place without further legal steps.

Expert Legal Separation Representation in San Fernando Valley

If you think you need a break from your marriage, you can count on our San Fernando Valley legal separation lawyers to walk you through the process. We can help you understand the legal and financial implications of a legal separation and ensure the protection of your assets and your rights every step of the way. Joy Kraft Miles uses her skills as a family law certified specialist to lead the team in advocating for our clients through even the toughest of legal matters.