Legal Separation in Washington: Things worth knowing

Some marriages fall apart – That’s the hard truth. If you have decided to separate from your spouse, you need to consider all options. Besides divorce, you also have the option of legal separation in Washington. Both change your legal status but are vastly different. You can learn more here about divorce and other relevant aspects. For your help, here is an overview of legal separation. 

What exactly is a legal separation?

The term “legal separation” refers to an arrangement where the couple remains married but legally separated. For many couples, divorce is not a choice, often because they want to retain the benefits of being married. In case of a legal separation, the couple is still legally married, so the spouses cannot choose to remarry. Also, depending on the circumstances, one spouse may be responsible for debts accrued by the other after legal separation. 

When should you consider legal separation?

Ideally, it is best to talk to an attorney about divorce and legal separation to understand the differences. Think of legal separation as an alternative to an absolute divorce. If you choose to file for legal separation, the overall pressing matters remain the same. You need to create a parenting plan with your spouse, divide marital assets, and discuss things like child support, alimony, and child custody. Unlike a divorce, a legal separation doesn’t terminate the marriage. Legally separated spouses can decide to terminate the existing arrangement, if and when they want in the future. 

After a legal separation, you don’t have to remarry to unite with your spouse. It could be a great advantage for couples who want to preserve some of their insurance and tax benefits. Also, many separating spouses choose legal separation over divorce for the sake of minor children. 

Get an attorney

When it comes to legal advice, do not trust anyone but your attorney. Even when you are on amicable terms with your spouse about ending the marriage, you need to hire a lawyer to advise on your rights and interests. Your lawyer can also help understand if and why legal separation could be an option for your circumstances. Many family-law firms in Washington can take such cases at an hourly rate, and they have attorneys with decades of collective experience. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get legal representation. 

Divorce or legal separation can impact your life ahead. Do not decide in haste – contact an attorney immediately. 

Legal Separation in Washington: Things worth knowing

Some marriages fall apart – That’s the hard truth. If you have decided to separate from your spouse, you need to consider all options. Besides divorce, you also have the option of legal separation in Washington. Both change your legal status but are vastly different. You can learn more here about divorce and other relevant aspects. For your help, here is an overview of legal separation. 

What exactly is a legal separation?

The term “legal separation” refers to an arrangement where the couple remains married but legally separated. For many couples, divorce is not a choice, often because they want to retain the benefits of being married. In case of a legal separation, the couple is still legally married, so the spouses cannot choose to remarry. Also, depending on the circumstances, one spouse may be responsible for debts accrued by the other after legal separation. 

When should you consider legal separation?

Ideally, it is best to talk to an attorney about divorce and legal separation to understand the differences. Think of legal separation as an alternative to an absolute divorce. If you choose to file for legal separation, the overall pressing matters remain the same. You need to create a parenting plan with your spouse, divide marital assets, and discuss things like child support, alimony, and child custody. Unlike a divorce, a legal separation doesn’t terminate the marriage. Legally separated spouses can decide to terminate the existing arrangement, if and when they want in the future. 

After a legal separation, you don’t have to remarry to unite with your spouse. It could be a great advantage for couples who want to preserve some of their insurance and tax benefits. Also, many separating spouses choose legal separation over divorce for the sake of minor children. 

Get an attorney

When it comes to legal advice, do not trust anyone but your attorney. Even when you are on amicable terms with your spouse about ending the marriage, you need to hire a lawyer to advise on your rights and interests. Your lawyer can also help understand if and why legal separation could be an option for your circumstances. Many family-law firms in Washington can take such cases at an hourly rate, and they have attorneys with decades of collective experience. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get legal representation. 

Divorce or legal separation can impact your life ahead. Do not decide in haste – contact an attorney immediately. 

Vivek is a published author of Meidilight and a cofounder of Zestful Outreach Agency. He is passionate about helping webmaster to rank their keywords through good-quality website backlinks. In his spare time, he loves to swim and cycle. You can find him on Twitter and Linkedin.