What is the Difference Between a Separation and a Divorce?
When you and your spouse have come to understand that the best path forward for your marriage is to part ways, emotionally and financially, it is important to understand the difference between separation and divorce.
A separation is a time frame where you live separately from each other but are still linked legally and financially. A divorce will dissolve the marriage, both legally and financially. It allows each of you to forge a new path forward without each other.
Separation
A separation period often occurs when a couple decides to dissolve their marriage. Separation can help each person evaluate the relationship, decide on terms, and see if reconciliation is possible while the legal, financial and parental considerations remain intact.
Divorce
A divorce dissolves the marriage with finality once a divorce is finalized by the court-litigated process – which can be costly and riddled with emotional pitfalls. If you are using the collaborative divorce process, each spouse agrees to a divorce agreement. This often provides a clean break and a new start for each spouse, leaving no ties to each other.
Choosing the right path is essential but often involves many questions and concerns. Collaborative divorce is more amicable alternative to court-litigated costly divorces.
In collaborative divorce, couples work together, supported by divorce professionals such as lawyers, financial neutrals, divorce coaches and mental health experts to help create a mutually agreeable resolution. This process fosters open communication, transparency, understanding, and a focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in courtroom battles and ultimately being a better fit for your family.
Each marital relationship is unique, and deciding which route you will take between separation and divorce is very important for a couple.
When you utilize the Los Angeles Consensual Dispute Resolution Family Law Association, you can rest easier because you will know that when your divorce is finalized, each party involved, including your children, will be better prepared to face the future with confidence.
Call us today if you would like to learn more about how our members at the LACFLA can help you and your family!
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation