Miriam Arnold-Johnson, PC
  • Home
  • About
    • Arnold-Johnson, Miriam
  • Practice Areas
    • Family Law
      • Adoption
      • Child Custody
      • Child Support
      • Divorce
      • Divorce FAQs
      • Fathers’ Rights
      • Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
      • Modification Contempt
      • Myths About Assets, Debts And Alimony
    • Property Division
    • Temporary Protective Orders
  • Blog
  • Contact
Select Page

Legal separation: Is it right for you?

On behalf of Miriam Arnold-Johnson, PC | May 11, 2020 | Divorce

Most marriages have their share of highs and lows. And while some recover and stabilize after the peaks or valleys, some spouses need time to reassess their relationship.

That’s why legal separation can be a good thing for some individuals.

Why people separate instead of divorce

Here are common reasons why people opt for legal separation, or separate maintenance, as it is called in Georgia.

  1. A divorce is not in line with spouses’ religious or spiritual beliefs.
  2. Parties are not ready to terminate the marriage, but they want to live separately.
  3. Spouses feel divorce is not in the best interests of their child or children.
  4. A spouse could lose medical coverage and other benefits in a divorce.

For these and other reasons, parties may want to live separately but not divorce.

Settling legal matters

Though still married, parties who separate need to address legal issues such as child custody and financial support.

Separation agreements are similar to the agreements parties reach in a divorce. There is a separate maintenance order in place, like a divorce agreement.

Regarding custody, parties (or the courts) decide parenting time and schedules. A judge reviews the order and approves or disapproves it. Parties may also need to secure orders for child support and spousal support and divide property and debts.

These orders can provide clarity and direction for parties who are living separately but remain married.

It is also important to note that when parties separate, they cannot remarry until they divorce. On the other hand, if parties do reconcile, they can move back together at any time.

Finding the right solution

Living separately without divorcing can be appealing to people for many reasons. However, there are legal aspects to it that can be more complicated than people expect, which is why representation by an attorney can be valuable.

Approaching separation equipped with support and an understanding of what it entails can make it easier to navigate the process. It can also allow parties to prepare financially and emotionally for the next chapter.

Recent Posts

  • The signs that your spouse is hiding assets
  • How is property divided in a divorce in Georgia?
  • How is child custody determined in Georgia?
  • Fighting for custody? Four mistakes you should avoid
  • If you are hoping for a swift divorce, consider these tips

Archives

  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • September 2019

Categories

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Divorce
  • Firm News
  • Parenting Plans
  • Property Division

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

FindLaw Network

Don’t Wait, Call Now

Our firm will provide you with the individualized attention you deserve. Let’s get started today.

Office Location

2330 Scenic Hwy
Suite #218
Snellville, GA 30078

Map & Directions
Miriam Arnold-Johnson, PC

Follow Us On

  • Follow
  • Follow

Office Number

Phone: 404-692-6274

Review Us

© 2021 Miriam Arnold-Johnson, PC. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters