Is A Trial Or Legal Separation Right For You And Your Spouse?

If your spouse no longer wishes to live with you, you may think divorce is the only way to solve your problems. However, divorce isn't always the right decision to make, especially if you and your spouse still love each other and your family. Many struggling married couples choose to separate until they work out their problems. Learn more about separation and how it may work for you.

Are There Benefits to Separating From Your Spouse?

Unlike divorce, separation allows you and your spouse to remain married until you work through your financial woes, custody issues, and other crucial problems. There are two types of separation: trial and legal. Trial separation allows you to separate from your spouse on a short-term or temporary basis. You or the other person may live in the same home, or you may choose to relocate elsewhere until you come to an agreement about your marriage. 

Legal separation can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. If your problems are severe, you may choose a long-term separation until you find a solution for your marital problems. You may also require a lawyer's help during a legal separation, especially if your marriage involves assets, children, and property. 

Before you choose to separate from your spouse, consult with an attorney first. 

What Happens When You Separate From Your Spouse?

Although separating from your spouse may be the best option for your family right now, you still want to seek sound legal advice from an attorney. A legal separation or family court attorney can discuss the pros and cons of both types of separations with you and your spouse in greater detail. The discussion can help alleviate any concerns you might have about your family's assets, property, and finances.

An attorney may also help you make custody arrangements for your children and pets. Even if your spouse chooses to live in a separate home, they may still wish to see the children and pets. A lawyer can ask a family court to set up a visitation plan that doesn't make you or your spouse feel uncomfortable during the separation. 

If you and your spouse can't work out your problems during the separation and choose to file for divorce instead, speak to a family court attorney right away. An attorney can move forward with the divorce proceedings for you. 

For more details about trial or legal separation, consult a legal separation attorney from a firm like Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C. in your area today.