Some states have a concept of legal separation. In those states, couples who want to stay married for religious reasons may opt for legal separation instead of divorce. Others become legally separated because courts address legal separations faster than divorces. In those areas of the country, legal separation can be a solution for couples who are unable to negotiate the divorce issues or have yet to meet the residency requirements but require a separation agreement for financial or other reasons. Becoming legally separated usually requires a court order or separation agreement addressing the same issues that are covered in divorce agreements. The laws around legal separation vary from state to state. In some states you can only become legally separated as part of the divorce process, but others allow you to remain legally separated indefinitely.
Lee is the founder of Rosen Law Firm and, while retired, still lives on through this website, a huge repository of information to help educate people about family law. It demystifies the divorce process, sharing the secrets and information that other lawyers normally try to keep hidden. Today, this website contains a vast assortment of webinars, legal forms, statutes, Q&As with lawyers, audio and video courses, articles, and lots more.
