Legal Separation

As a viable alternative to divorce or domestic partnership dissolution, Legal Separation under the California Family Code permits a married couple or domestic partners to live separately, and to make arrangements for child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. At the Law Offices of Patricia A. Hendrickson & Associates, we help our clients weigh the pros and cons of Legal Separation, and determine if it’s a sensible option for them.

While divorce requires a six-month waiting period before the court will issue the final judgment, legal separation has no waiting period and takes effect as soon as the court grants the separation. In addition, filing for legal separation does not require legal representation. But, not surprisingly, couples going through a legal separation face many of the same challenges and complexities of a divorce due to the fact that child custody, child support, property division and spousal support may need to be determined. If either party contests any of these issues, having a capable family law attorney in your corner is invaluable. That’s where we come in.