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Q&A Blog #60: What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?

July 13, 2016 |

By: Letty M-S Van Ert

Q: What is the difference between legal separation and divorce? 

A: A divorce (“dissolution of marriage”) is the termination of the marital relationship between spouses.  A decree of dissolution completely terminates the marital status of both parties. A legal separation is a court determination of the rights and responsibilities of spouses arising out of the marital relationship, but a legal separation decree does not terminate the marital status of the parties.  To be legal, both a divorce and legal separation require serving and filing papers in District Court.  Both a legal separation and a divorce may include issues like custody, parenting time, spousal maintenance (alimony) and child support.  Unlike a divorce proceeding, the Court does not make a division of marital property in a legal separation.  If one person wants a divorce and the other person wants a legal separation, a divorce will be granted.  It is important to note that the term “separation” or “physical separation” simply refers to living apart and is not a legal separation.  A physical separation does not necessarily require court involvement, but may affect one’s legal rights.

Q: Why would a person seek a legal separation versus a divorce?  Is a legal separation cheaper than a divorce?

A: Some people choose a legal separation over a divorce for moral or religious reasons, or they believe that they will be reconciled at some point.  I have also seen people choose a legal separation in order to maintain insurance coverage for a spouse.  A legal separation can end costing about the same or more than a divorce in terms of attorney’s fees, court filing fees and other costs.  

Filed Under: Divorce, General, Practice Areas Tagged With: legal separation

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