There is a misconception floating around that simply not living with your married spouse means you are legally separated. But, in Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Arvada, that is definitely not the case. “Legally separated” means just that, there is a separation from the marriage and it is recognized legally by the Jefferson County Courts.
Jefferson County Legal Separation Lawyer: the Process and Benefits of Being Legally Separated
To become legally separated in Golden, Colorado, the process is very similar to that of a divorce. In fact, a legal separation addresses all the same elements that a dissolution of marriage does: financial obligations, child support, parenting time, property division, etc. So, why would someone choose a legal separation over a divorce? There are a number of reasons why a legal separation might be the right track for some to take:
- You or your spouse may be unsure that you really want a divorce but you want to spend time apart and separate your finances
- To protect health insurance benefits for a spouse (as you still remain legally married)
- For other benefits – both Social Security death benefits and Uniformed Services Spouse Protection benefits require a couple be married for at least 10 years in order to receive payouts
- For religious or moral reasons – some couples do not agree with divorce
Because the legal separation agreement can easily be converted to a dissolution of marriage, it is important that the terms are acceptable to you for the long term. Don’t enter into any agreements with the understanding that things can easily change. It is a legal and binding agreement, so you should have an experienced family law attorney to protect your best interests.
Converting a Legal Separation into a Divorce Decree of Dissolution in Wheat Ridge
Because a legal separation addresses the same concerns of a divorce, the dissolution of marriage process becomes much easier. After at least 6 months have passed since the decree of legal separation is entered, one party will notify the other party of the intent to convert the separation to a dissolution. With the filing of all the paperwork, the Colorado Court will enter the divorce and legally change the status of the parties’ relationship.
If you are in the process of preparing for a legal separation or divorce in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, or Lakewood, contact the best family law attorneys from the Pearman Law firm for a initial phone consultation at 720-259-9528 today.
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