What is separation?
10 People Who Might Not Like You When You Get Divorced BY JACKIE PILOSSOPH Founder, Divorced Girl Smiling, Former Chicago Tribune Columnist and Features Reporter, Huffington Post Blogger and TV News Reporter Don’t you feel like when you get divorced , there are two camps, and most people feel like they need to be in one? There are a few mutual friends who try to stay neutral, but then, let’s be honest, it’s just awkward. And then, at one point they get together with one of the divorcing spouses and the other spouse becomes angry and thinks their friends took a side. The sad fallout of getting divorced: you will lose some friendships. Certain people who you thought really really liked you just don’t anymore. Typically, these people are the people who were friends with your ex first. It’s strange to think that those who used to treat you with such warmth and kindness might now see you as the enemy, the devil, the bitch, the woman who ruined your ex’s life, and therefor...
Separation occurs when a couple who is married decides that they want to try living apart. Separation is often, but not always, a precursor to divorce. However, separation can also have different meanings in different states. Some states recognize the concept of a "legal separation," and such a formal arrangement can expedite the process of divorce. Others do not recognize a state known as "legal separation" but may still enforce a separation agreement if the couple draws one up.
ReplyDeleteSeparation Agreements
Regardless of whether your state requires or recognizes "legal separation" or not, you may need a separation agreement. This becomes important because most states have a waiting period before a married couple may divorce.
In some jurisdictions, a couple has to live apart for around a year before their union can officially end under the law. During this time period, there may be many issues that need to be worked out. For example, issues of custody cannot wait a year, especially if the parents do not agree on who the child should live with or how much time the child should spend with each parent. Furthermore, if one spouse is going to need alimony or spousal support from the other in order to be able to cope financially, he or she may not be able to wait a year to get it.
In order to deal with these issues, many couples draft formal separation agreements when they decide to split up. These agreements can eventually become part of a final divorce settlement. They can also be given legal validity by a family court, if the couple needs for the court to make decisions or enforce support rights or custody rights.