Few people understand what it means to be "legally separated" in California. Some people believe that a legal separation is an interim stage, prior to a complete divorce. Others will ask for a legal separation assuming that it is cheaper or involves less paperwork than a divorce. However, neither of these assumptions is true. In fact, there is very little practical difference between divorce and legal separation.

San Jose Legal Separation Lawyer

At the Dominion Law Group, we are experienced divorce and legal separation lawyers. We can explain all of the issues surrounding these legal proceedings and your options. Our attorneys provide customized and unique solutions in family law to each client, given his or her particular circumstances.

The Legal Separation Process

A legal separation involves filing all the same paperwork you would file for a divorce. The only difference is that you check a different box on one of the forms. You must still file your divorce petition, complete the disclosures, serve the other party, and divide your assets and debts, and, if you have children, negotiate child custody and child support. If you and your spouse cannot agree on these issues, you will still have to go through a full-blown trial.

At the end of the trial, if you checked the box asking for a legal separation, you will receive a judgment of legal separation instead of a divorce. However, your assets will have been divided, and child custody and support payments will be determined. In the future should you or your spouse wish to remarry, you will have to petition the court for divorce all over again.

Given these disadvantages, there are only two circumstances in which a legal separation is appropriate:

When you have not satisfied the residency requirements to obtain a divorce (but intend to amend your petition to seek a divorce once you have satisfied these requirements).

When your religious beliefs preclude divorce.

For a consultation with a San Jose legal separation lawyer at the Dominion Law Group, call (408) 288-5592, or contact us online.