Marriage advice: separation vs divorce

Separation is the least permanent of the two options.When the two of you are living separate, you are still legally married.There are also two types of separation.One is legal separation in which you have gone to court and gotten an order stating that you are separated.The other is simply one spouse leaving the house and living elsewhere.Especially if you do not have court orders, the two of you should have all agreements in writing and signed by both parties.This will avoid confusion later over who is to have what or who is to have the children when.

When there is a legal separation, court orders are generally put into place, much like a divorce.This type of separation is very similar to a divorce in cost.Legal separations are only advisable in certain cases.They are not a stepping stone towards divorce or to show the other spouse that you are serious about divorce.Marital assets are not divided up in a legal separation since the two of you are still legally married.It is only meant for limited relief.Legal separations are easier to overturn than a divorce is.

Divorce is a more permanent solution to leaving your spouse.The two of you will no longer be married once the divorce is final.Marital assets are divided and court orders regarding custody, child support, spousal support, and other things are put in place.A decision to go this route should never be taken lightly.Divorces cost a lot of money and can cause a lot of anguish especially if someone changes their mind down the road.

When a couple wishes to get a divorce, a separation will usually be the first step, although not a legal separation.Usually, one of the two parties will leave the house and begin to live somewhere else.The two are separated and married, but are still viewed as married and not legally separated.This is where it often becomes confusing for people.As I stated earlier, legal separation is not a stepping stone towards divorce.The couple will go through all their court hearings that are scheduled and when everything for the papers is determined, the judge will declare the couple officially divorced.There is no way to reverse a divorce except to get remarried.You must be careful of that, also, because some states have a time period which you must wait until you may marry again whether it be to the same person or someone new.

Choosing between divorce and separation can be a difficult choice.One must look at all the advantages and disadvantages to both before making such a life altering decision.Discussion between the two parties can always help determine which of these options will be right for each individual couple.