Aggressive and Affordable Domestic Violence & Abuse Attorneys at The Cromer Law Group PLLC – When facing difficult issues in marriage such as domestic violence or infidelity, it is common to consider divorce or legal separation. However, some people do not wish to pursue divorce on moral grounds, or because they need time to work on some issues that may allow a return to the marriage. In Michigan, you also have the option of pursuing a legal separation. This process requires you to divide your assets and obligations and resolve issues relating to the best interests of your children in a legally binding agreement. These agreements are usually comprehensive and should be drafted by an attorney to individually address all your concerns. Get the divorce advice you deserve and explore your legal options. Know your rights!!! Our Michigan divorce lawyers will fight for you!!!
Here at The Cromer Law Group PLLC, we have worked with many clients who wish to remain married but live separately. As an experienced divorce and family lawyers, we can advise you on how to negotiate and obtain legal separation, support and parenting time orders. We approach each legal separation case with compassion and a strong commitment to advocacy. In this difficult time of transition, you deserve to be heard and to have your interests protected.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursuing a Legal Separation:
With a legal separation order, a couple can make important binding decisions about child custody and visitation property division and spousal support just as would occur in a divorce ending the marriage.
For people who wish to stay married but maintain separate living arrangements for any of a variety of reasons, legal separation can be an important legal tool. Many people choose legal separation for:
- Moral and religious grounds;
- Health insurance coverage – if you divorce, you are likely to lose coverage under your spouse’s healthcare insurance;
- Social security coverage – generally, a couple must have been married for at least 10 years in order for a nonworking spouse to qualify for Social Security under the working spouse’s benefits;
- Optimism – many couples remain married because they hope to work out their differences while separating their legal and financial affairs.
While these are all important reasons for people to choose not to end their marriage, there are also important reasons to consider resolving your marriage. If you decide to remarry in the future, for example, you will still have to pursue a divorce first, which is an additional expense. A divorce also brings about important emotional and social changes in your life, allowing you an opportunity to leave the past behind and move forward.
Legal separation is one of several options for families in transition. Make sure you are choosing what is best for you and that your interests are protected.