Unlike a divorce, separation does not mean the end of your marriage. It simply means that you and your spouse choose to live separate lives while remaining legally married.
The intent of a separation is to work out an agreement and/or court order, for things like the division of your assets, child custody, visitation, and support. This court order aims to protect your interests until you reconcile, file for divorce, or the death of either party.
In-Depth: Divorce Or Separation: Which Is Right For You?
Do You Need A Separation Before A Divorce?
Separation is not a necessary step in obtaining a divorce. However, if the decision to divorce is made down the road a judge may decide that since you were satisfied with your legal separation agreement, the same arrangement should carry over to the divorce settlement agreement.
Many legal separations bring to the table a host of complicated and sometimes highly contested issues, which range from child support and custody to business ownership and investments. At Goldberg Jones, our legal separation lawyers have been representing husbands and fathers in obtaining an Oregon State legal separation agreement for over 13 years.
When couples legally separate but don’t file for divorce, their marriage is in a sort of limbo. A lot can happen during this stage of separation, so you will want to make sure you have appropriate representation.
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