Riverside Separation
Divorce and separation in Riverside, CA more similar than you think
When considering a time out with his or her mate, a person may believe a separation is the answer. However, a Riverside legal separation is not intended as a cooling off period to sort out problems. Important permanent decisions are made during a legal separation. Julie M. Hill offers legal separation and related family law services to Riverside and Inland Empire clients.
Legal separation in Riverside
In a Riverside separation, you are essentially filing a lawsuit and asking the court to decide on all issues related to your marriage including:
- Property/debt division
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Child visitation
Divorce and legal separation are very similar except that separation does not dissolve a marriage. However, if you ultimately decide to divorce during the separation, additional paperwork is filed to formally end your marriage.
The differences between a divorce and a Riverside legal separation
- Separation must be mutually agreed to by spouses
- Legal separation has no waiting period
- Separation has no residency requirement
- You may not remarry
If reconciliation is still a possibility in your marriage, you are better advised to consider marriage counseling or mediation services. Unlike some states, legal separation in California is not a remedy for uncertainty about divorce. The reasons to file a Riverside separation are few and may include:
- Religious, moral and/or ethical issues
- Insufficient residency for divorce
- Social security eligibility or eligibility for other benefits
- Continued health insurance coverage needs
However, most frequently, legal separation is a temporary solution, and is filed with the intention of eventually divorcing.
Riverside separation agreement
A Riverside legal separation does not protect your assets when/if your spouse continues to accumulate debt during the separation. If you want to protect your property and other rights while legally separated, you must enter into a written agreement with your spouse. Issues in a Riverside separation agreement may include:
- Financial responsibility for debt accrual during separation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Custody and visitation
- Property/debt division
Divorce lawyer in Riverside can help
A Riverside separation can be as emotionally stressful and overwhelming as a divorce and require legal representation to resolve issues. As a certified family law specialist, Julie M. Hill can provide valuable and compassionate legal advice in your Riverside separation. Contact Julie Hill today to discuss your legal separation in Riverside.