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Riverside County Divorce & Separation Attorney
The end of a marriage is never easy, even when it's amicable. After all, even if you and your spouse both agree on many issues regarding the end of your relationship, it's still difficult to separate lives that have been joined. Once you make the decision to end your marriage, your next choice is deciding how. In California, you have two main options, those being divorce or legal separation. The following will explain more about each option:
Divorce: What it Means
You most likely know what divorce involves. You will be considered two separate individuals legally. If you have children, coming to an agreement on child custody and visitation will also be required. You might need to set up alimony payments as well. All your assets will be divided based upon various factors. In essence, divorce will completely separate your lives in every possible way. A divorce doesn't always have to go to court, in many cases, things can be determined during the mediation process. During mediation, child custody and visitation arrangements can be made, among other decisions. Even if your relationship is currently respectful, going through a divorce can still cause emotions to run high. That is why it's important to seek the services of a knowledgeable Riverside County Divorce Attorney.
Legal Separation in California
Legal separation differs from divorce. However, in many cases, it is a precursor to the process of divorce. A separation makes sense for some people who don't want to actually get a divorce but want to live a separate life from their spouse, perhaps for religious reasons. Marital status does not change during a separation, though. This means you cannot remarry or enter into a domestic partnership while only separated. You can divide assets, share debts and make these types of decisions while separated. This can also be accomplished via mediation. Be aware that agreements made in a separation can end up becoming permanent if you end up filing divorce. Therefore, it's important to speak up and ensure your rights are honored during this process as well.
When you make the choice that it's time for your marriage to come to an end, your next step is calling us at the Law Office of Richard L. Cookson. Let us help you through the process of divorce or separation, by representing you during mediation and walking you through the legal process of ending your marriage either through divorce or separation. Contact us today to learn more.
